Barcelona activates emergency due to flood risk

Barcelona's City Council has activated the emergency phase due to flood risk in light of the forecast for heavy rain. Civil Protection reminds residents of self-protection measures to avoid personal and material damage.

The alert for intense rainfall has led the Barcelona City Council to activate the emergency phase due to flood risk in the city. The measure aims to coordinate emergency services and anticipate possible incidents in streets and low-lying areas.

In this scenario, the council has disseminated a series of recommendations for residents to exercise caution. Most flood-related deaths occur when attempting to cross streams, torrents, or underground passages, so it is stressed to avoid these situations.

Inside the home, it is recommended to close doors and windows, check roofs, lightning rods, drains, and downspouts, and remove outdoor furniture or objects that water could carry away. It is also advisable to disconnect electrical devices, store toxic products out of reach of water, and keep a mobile phone with charger, medications, warm clothing, and personal documents handy.

Pets should be brought inside, and it is important to avoid going down to basements or garages that may flood. If water enters the home, the main electricity switch should be turned off. If the building is unsafe, it is best to leave, close the door, and head to a high point in the area.

Outside, seek refuge in a safe building and do not cross, either on foot or by car, streams, torrents, underground passages, or flood-prone areas. If it is essential to travel by vehicle, it is advised to moderate speed, brake gently, and maintain a safe distance. Never park in flood-prone areas.

If the car becomes immobilised by water, the level rises too high on the roadway, or the water reaches the vehicle's axle, it should be abandoned, and a higher place should be sought. All these guidelines are available on the Barcelona Firefighters website, which also offers advice on other natural risks.

"Do not cross, either on foot or by car, streams, torrents, underground passages, or areas that can flood, as this is where most deaths occur."

The emergency remains active as long as the forecast for heavy rain persists. The population is advised to follow the instructions of emergency services and consult official channels to stay updated on the alert's progress.