Deadly floods hit eastern Spain as Storm Adam shifts towards Catalonia

Rainfall linked to the high-impact weather system known as Adam turned streets into fast-moving rivers across La Safor and Marina Alta. Reuters reported more than 630 millimetres of rain in 36 hours in Pego. Oliva, Dénia, Els Poblets and surrounding towns were among the badly affected areas.

More than 2,000 people were reportedly evacuated or displaced, while rescue teams used helicopters to reach residents stranded on rooftops. Roads were closed, rail services disrupted and classes suspended for over 100,000 students.

The death toll remained provisional on October 19. Reuters reported at least three fatalities, while Spanish outlets later reported four. MMNEWS therefore refers to at least three deaths pending a consolidated official count.

At the peak of the emergency, residents across 145 municipalities — up to roughly 800,000 people — were told to remain indoors. As conditions improved, the order was narrowed to eight municipalities. Saturated ground and swollen waterways mean danger remains even where the heaviest rain has passed.

AEMET shifted part of its focus towards Catalonia, particularly Barcelona and Girona provinces, where further heavy and persistent rain was expected. Alerts also remained in other Mediterranean and southern areas at varying levels.

Moroccan residents should monitor AEMET, regional emergency services and mobile emergency alerts. Never drive or walk through floodwater: the road may have collapsed underneath, and even shallow-looking water can move a vehicle.

Stay away from riverbeds, ravines, underpasses, underground car parks and basements. If authorities order residents to shelter in place, move to a higher floor when necessary and avoid lifts. Call 112 in an immediate emergency.

Business owners should not enter flooded premises until emergency services say it is safe. Once access is authorised, document damage, preserve invoices and CCTV material, and contact insurers promptly.

The disaster revives memories of the October 2024 floods that killed more than 230 people, mostly in the Valencia region. The events are not identical, but both underline the Mediterranean coast’s exposure to extreme rainfall and the need to act immediately when alerts are issued.