Barcelona: Torrential rain and flooding across Spain’s Catalonia region have caused widespread disruption, with 2 people dead and another person missing.
Emergency services were searching for a missing person in Pineda de Mar, about 52 km (32 miles) north of Barcelona. The search came as severe flooding and heavy rainfall across parts of Catalonia.
Catalan authorities issued a red alert and urged residents to remain indoors from 8 pm on October 3 until 2 pm on October 4. The warning followed concerns that a mini-hurricane could affect northeastern parts of the region.
Floodwater entered homes in several areas while cars remained submerged after torrential rain. Bellvitge and Cornellà near Barcelona were among the affected areas. Motorways around Barcelona also saw large pools of water form after the rainfall.
The downpour disrupted transport across the region. Local train services were suspended following the deluge. Flights at Barcelona airport faced cancellations and delays.
The severe weather also disrupted public life across the region. Shops closed early in some areas while several football matches were called off because of the dangerous conditions. A performance of Verdi’s Aida at Barcelona’s Liceu opera house was also cancelled.
The flooding affected daily activities across Catalonia while emergency crews continued responding to the weather conditions. The search for the missing person in Pineda de Mar remained under way.
Large pools of water formed on motorways around Barcelona, where ducks were seen swimming through flooded sections. The scenes reflected the extent of the rainfall and flooding affecting the region.
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