Firefighters pump out flood water from a tunnel in Valencia. Photo: Reuters
Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued a red code due to heavy rain in Barcelona, and the Catalan government has warned residents of the danger, urging them to avoid travelling. This decision was a response to extreme weather conditions that threaten public safety, according to Sky News, Reuters and Majorca Daily Bulletin.
Barcelona has been declared in “extreme danger” as the region continues to deal with the effects of the recent historic floods that have already resulted in numerous casualties. Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente said that airport operator Aena cancelled 15 flights that were due to land at El Prat International Airport on Monday morning due to the storm.
Suburban trains in Catalonia have also been cancelled, and local authorities have warned of “continuous and heavy” rain in the region. Reports indicate that residents should avoid travelling and stay away from waterways.
Between 10:00 and 14:00, Aemet issued a red warning for the Barcelona coast due to the risk of accumulating 180mm of rainfall over 12 hours, especially in the Baix Llobregat and surrounding areas.
Unfortunately, weather conditions continue to threaten the region, as heavy rains last week led to devastating floods in eastern Spain that killed at least 217 people. Many people remained trapped in their cars, homes and businesses as water flooded the area.
The search and rescue operation has been going on for six days for those who went missing, with thousands of military personnel helping in difficult conditions. Further rains are forecast in the regions affected by the catastrophic floods.
Particular attention is being drawn to the underground car park in Aldai, where emergency services are trying to pump out the water. There are fears that dozens of bodies of people who died of suffocation in the Bonaire shopping centre may be found. However, according to firefighters, the situation is not as critical as previously thought.
“Since yesterday, we have been able to get in by canoe, boat, drone and on foot,” one firefighter told El Pais. “Yesterday I went around the entire car park and fortunately didn’t find any bodies.”
The authorities are urging people to be careful and follow the recommendations to prevent further tragedies.
