Emergency services in Catalonia received more than 400 calls due to severe rainfall, prompting a temporary alert for flooding. The situation has since stabilized, with no reported injuries.
Heavy rainfall across Catalonia led to an overwhelming response from emergency services on Thursday evening, resulting in over 410 calls to the emergency hotline 112. The intense weather prompted Protecció Civil to activate a special flood emergency plan, which has now been deactivated as conditions improved.
The downpour was particularly severe in several areas, with Montsec d’Ares recording 78.7 liters per square meter, followed by Sant Salvador de Guardiola at 58.5 l/m², Das at 54.6 l/m², and Santa Coloma de Farners at 50.2 l/m². These figures highlight the significant impact of the storm on local communities.
The Bombers de la Generalitat received a total of 218 reports related to the storm’s aftermath, primarily concerning flooding in basements and streets, blocked drains, fallen branches and trees, and hazards posed by damaged public infrastructure such as power lines and street furniture.
The peak time for these reports occurred between 6 PM and 8 PM, during which they logged an impressive 110 calls. Fortunately, the Sistema d’Emergències Mèdiques (SEM) confirmed that there were no injuries or medical emergencies linked to this weather event.
The Agència Catalana de l’Aigua (ACA) announced that water levels were returning to normal by late Thursday night, allowing them to close hydrological alerts for regions including Gironès, Selva, Osona, and Pla de l’Estany. This swift response helped mitigate potential damage from further flooding.
The Servei Català de Trànsit (SCT) reported that while there were initial disruptions due to the rain affecting roadways, all major routes have since cleared up. However, train services on the RL4 line between Calaf and Manresa remain suspended; alternative bus transport has been arranged for affected commuters.
This incident serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to sudden weather changes. Historical data shows that similar storms have caused significant disruptions in past years; however, this response indicates improvements in emergency preparedness compared to previous incidents.
Residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates through local news channels and official social media accounts of emergency services. For those needing transportation alternatives due to train disruptions or road closures, details can be found on the SCT website or through local transit apps.
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