Record tropical rains in Catalunya cause two deaths, a disappearance and widespread flooding
Exceptional tropical rainfall shattered records across Catalunya, killing two people and leaving another missing while rivers surged to historic levels.
Catalunya experienced an extraordinary tropical downpour that broke all previous records, prompting red warnings for the Empordà region. River flows surged dramatically, with the Besòs reaching 936 m³/s and 3.60 m in height, and the Ridaura surpassing 300 m³/s, levels comparable to a 100-year return period. Two deaths were confirmed: a 75-year-old resident of Tordera collapsed on a failing wall while draining water from his bungalow, and another person was found dead in Montornès del Vallès after flood-water removal in a garage.
A young man is still missing after being carried by floodwaters from a stream in Pineda de Mar. Emergency services conducted rescues, including a boat operation at Font del Gos, and three homeless individuals were rescued near the Besòs river mouth. Power outages affected thousands of customers, and several schools across the region remained closed for repairs.
Why it matters
The storm highlights growing flood risks in Catalunya and the need for improved infrastructure and emergency response.
How this story developed
- Oct 2 Torrential rains trigger red alerts and train suspensions across Catalonia and Valencia
- Oct 3 Intense rain caused a flash flood in Madrigueras, Albacete, drowning a 102-year-old woman and prompting about 90 rescue operations.
- Oct 4 Two deaths and a missing person were reported as floods intensified.
- Oct 4 Authorities have begun de‑escalating the emergency response and a GEACAM team is expected at first light.
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