Barcelona was struck by severe flooding on Monday, as search and rescue operations continued in the wake of last week’s catastrophic flooding around Valencia.
Spain’s state meteorological agency issued a red alert for heavy rain across parts of Catalonia, with local media showing footage of partially submerged cars on highways.
Floodwaters impacted Barcelona’s El Prat Airport, Spain’s second largest, leading to over 80 flight cancellations or delays and the suspension of rail services.
The Valencia region, hit by a similar storm last week with a year’s worth of rain, has seen at least 217 fatalities. On Monday, rescue teams focused on locating missing people in underground car parks and other submerged areas.
The storm left many victims trapped in vehicles and underground locations, such as car parks, tunnels, and garages, making rescue efforts particularly challenging.
Authorities fear that workers and shoppers may have been trapped in a flooded car park at a shopping mall in Aldaia, near Valencia. Police reported that no victims were found in the initial 50 vehicles inspected near the entrance, but much of the car park remains underwater and has yet to be thoroughly searched.