Torrential downpours brought panic and destruction to southern Catalonia on Sunday evening, as flash floods tore through the Terres de l’Ebre region.
Towns including Godall, Alcanar, La Rapita, Mas de Barberans, Ulldecona and Freginals were all hit by severe flooding that left streets under water, homes and sports centres inundated, and cars swept away by powerful currents.
It could not be more extreme of a difference from the weather in Andalucia, which experienced clear skies, highs in the mid 30s and ‘tropical’ overnight conditions.
Rail services between southern Catalonia and the Camp de Tarragona were suspended, and numerous roads – including a major stretch of the AP-7 motorway – were forced to close.
‘It’s a disaster, especially in Alcanar Platja. Every year it’s the same story, at the same time, and it puts lives at risk,’ said Joan Roig, mayor of Alcanar. ‘One day it’s going to end up taking someone’s life,’ he warned.
Images from the area showed cars being dragged through floodwaters and ground floors completely submerged, scenes that evoked memories of the deadly floods that struck Valencia just over a year ago.
By 7pm, the AP-7 motorway was cut off in both directions through Montsia, with emergency alerts urging residents to stay indoors and move to higher floors where possible.
Firefighters carried out more than 400 call-outs overnight, rescuing dozens of people trapped in their vehicles or homes.
Despite the widespread damage, authorities reported no missing persons or casualties as of late Sunday night. By 9pm, more than 600 emergency calls had been logged across the region.
The cost of the destruction is not yet known, but local officials expect losses to run into millions of euros. Mayors from the worst-hit municipalities expressed shock and despair as the situation deteriorated through the night.
All schools in the affected provinces – Montsia, Baix Ebre, Ribera d’Ebre, Terra Alta and Baix Camp – have been closed for Monday, along with sports facilities and day centres.
Meteorologists recorded up to 200 litres of rain per square metre in some areas of Montsia within a few hours. The intense rainfall triggered flash floods in several ravines that descend sharply towards the Mediterranean, making this area particularly prone to flooding due to its steep terrain and poor drainage.
Civil Protection sent out emergency text alerts shortly after 6pm urging residents to avoid travel. A second warning was issued around 7.45pm for communities further north in Camp de Tarragona as the storm system moved up the coast.
Authorities called on residents to stay away from low-lying areas such as gullies and riverbeds and to seek higher ground if floodwaters approached.
In Alcanar Platja, the damage was especially severe, with torrents of water ripping through residential areas and luxury villas. The nearby town of La Rapita also suffered extensive losses after local ravines overflowed, flooding the municipal sports hall where dozens of people had sought temporary shelter.
Officials have warned that the emergency could worsen as further rain was expected overnight. Some areas, such as Mas de Barberans, had already seen close to 300 litres of rainfall per square metre in the previous 24 hours – among the heaviest totals recorded in Catalonia in recent years.
Read more national Spain news at the Spanish Eye.
