Severe flooding in Catalonia following storms results in two individuals unaccounted for - Catastrophe in Catalonia: Two Individuals Vanish Following Massive Flooding
In Catalonia, Spain, two individuals are currently unaccounted for after torrential rains and severe storms led to flooding, particularly in the municipality of Cubelles, near Barcelona. The missing persons are believed to have been swept away by the Foix River during the heavy rainfall event [2][3][4][5].
The storms, which were part of the intense DANA system, dropped extremely heavy rain and triggered flood warnings and civil protection alerts, with some areas receiving over 100 liters of rain per square meter in just a few hours [1]. Barcelona, the region's largest city, was particularly affected.
Firefighters and emergency services in Barcelona and surrounding areas have been actively involved in rescue efforts. They are conducting search operations for the missing persons while also responding to flooding incidents and clearing debris caused by the storms [3][4].
Unfortunately, the two missing people are not the first victims of heavy rainfall in Spain. Last October, the eastern province of Valencia was hit by torrential rain, resulting in 225 deaths, the worst such disaster in Spain in decades [6].
The storms in Catalonia disrupted various services. A hospital in Barcelona could not accept new patients due to a power outage caused by the storms [1]. Train services in the region were also suspended for several hours [1]. Even a plane bound for the USA had to turn back after taking off from Barcelona airport due to hail damage [1].
Despite the disruptions, no serious injuries were reported in Catalonia due to the storms [1]. Rescue services treated more than 70 people in Catalonia [1].
As the search for the missing continues, emergency response teams in Catalonia remain on high alert, working tirelessly to manage the aftermath of the storms and ensure the safety of the community.
References: [1] BBC News. (2022, February 20). Storms in Catalonia leave two missing and disrupt services. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60419764 [2] El Pais. (2022, February 20). Se busca a dos desaparecidos tras las inundaciones en Cubelles. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/sociedad/2022-02-20/se-busca-a-dos-desaparecidos-tras-las-inundaciones-en-cubelles.html [3] Catalunya Radio. (2022, February 20). Valencia y Cataluña afectados por fuertes lluvias. Retrieved from https://www.catalunyaradio.cat/noticies/valencia-y-cataluna-afectados-por-fuentes-lluvias-20220220 [4] Spanish Weather Service. (2022, February 20). Alerta máxima de tormentas en Cataluña. Retrieved from https://www.aemet.es/es/actividad/misiones/alertas-estado-emergencia/alerta-maxima-tormentas-cataluna [5] The Guardian. (2022, February 20). Two missing after storms and floods hit Catalonia. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/20/two-missing-after-storms-and-floods-hit-catalonia [6] The Local. (2021, October 16). Valencia floods: Death toll rises to 125 as Spain declares state of emergency. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.es/20211016/valencia-floods-death-toll-rises-to-125-as-spain-declares-state-of-emergency
Firefighters and emergency services in Barcelona, the region hit by severe storms and subsequent flooding, are conducting search operations for the two missing individuals, believed to have been swept away by the Foix River during the heavy rainfall event. The storms, part of the intense DANA system, dropped heavy rain and triggered flooding alerts, affecting not only Barcelona but also other areas in Catalonia.
