Torrential Rain and Floods Kill Two in Spain’s Catalonia Region

Two people died and another remained missing Sunday after torrential rainfall caused severe flooding across Spain's northeastern region of Catalonia. Regional authorities urged residents around Barcelona and Girona to remain indoors as rivers approached overflowing levels.

Catalan President Salvador Illa confirmed that a man died in Tordera, north of Barcelona, when a campsite wall collapsed while he attempted to clear water. Firefighters said a second person died in Montornes del Valles. Search and rescue personnel deployed to Pineda de Mar to locate a missing driver after finding an overturned vehicle near a water channel.

The Catalan government placed the region on a red weather alert from Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon. Meteocat director Sarai Sarroca said the core of an unusual weather system had developed over the Mediterranean Sea, driving heavy rain across the coast. Station data in Barcelona showed the highest daily rainfall figures recorded for the city since 1883.

Runoff inundated streets and residential neighborhoods in Bellvitge and Cornella, leaving dozens of cars submerged. Local hospitals in Granollers and Blanes experienced internal flooding, forcing health administrators to reroute non-emergency patients to alternative regional facilities.

The downpours triggered widespread transit disruptions throughout the metropolitan area. Airport operators in Barcelona delayed and cancelled flights, while regional rail operators suspended local train services. Municipal officials also cancelled sporting events and shuttered public cultural venues, including the Liceu opera house.

Catalan emergency services said crews had responded to more than 1,800 weather-related calls by midday Sunday. Emergency teams are now focusing monitoring efforts on swollen river basins near Girona as the storm system advances northeast.