Severe Flooding in Catalonia Leaves Two Missing Amidst Torrential Rains

Severe weather conditions in Catalonia, northeastern Spain, have led to extensive flooding, resulting in the reported disappearance of two individuals. Firefighters are actively engaged in search operations along the banks of the Foix River, particularly near the town of Cubelles, located approximately 50 kilometers from Barcelona.

In response to the crisis, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has urged the public to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel in regions currently under high alert.

The national meteorological agency, Aemet, reported that some areas near Barcelona experienced up to 10 centimeters of rainfall in just a few hours, prompting a red alert for extreme weather conditions. Predictions indicate that rainfall could reach as much as 60 liters per square meter within an hour, raising concerns about further flooding.

In light of the severe weather, Renfe, Spain's national train service, temporarily halted operations throughout Catalonia. In Barcelona, numerous roads faced blockages due to flooding, leading to interruptions in transport services. Additionally, a local hospital was compelled to turn away patients as its facilities were inundated with water.

As a precautionary measure, military personnel from the Military Emergency Unit (UME) have been deployed to assist in affected municipalities in the Aragon region. Prime Minister Sanchez confirmed the government is closely monitoring the unfolding situation in various communities experiencing warnings for heavy rains and potential storms.

The current flooding follows a tragic precedent set by last year's extreme weather event in Valencia, which resulted in the loss of 225 lives, marking it as one of Spain's most significant meteorological disasters in recent decades. This year's flooding is attributed to a meteorological phenomenon known as a 'cold drop' or DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels), where a cold air mass interacts with warmer Mediterranean waters.

Authorities have emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant as recovery efforts are underway. The community's resilience will be tested once again as residents and emergency services work diligently to respond to the ongoing crisis.