Spain rescuers search underground parking as fresh flooding hits Barcelona

Barcelona is grappling with severe flooding as torrential rains strike the city, prompting urgent search and rescue operations following last week’s devastating floods in the Valencia region. Spain’s state meteorological agency has issued a red alert for parts of Catalonia, warning residents of the imminent risk of further heavy rain. Local news footage shows vehicles partially submerged on highways, highlighting the severity of the situation.

El Prat Airport, Spain’s second-largest airport, has also been affected, with significant flooding leading to the cancellation or delay of over 80 flights. Additionally, rail services have been suspended, exacerbating travel disruptions in the region.

Last week, Valencia experienced an unprecedented deluge, receiving a year’s worth of rainfall in just a few hours, resulting in at least 217 fatalities. As the storm continued to impact Barcelona, rescuers focused their efforts on locating missing individuals in underground parking facilities, where many victims became trapped.

The flooding caught numerous individuals off guard while they were in their vehicles, especially in areas like car parks, tunnels, and garages. Rescuers are particularly concerned about potential victims who may have been inside a shopping mall parking lot in Aldaia, on the outskirts of Valencia, where floodwaters surged unexpectedly.

While police confirmed that no victims were found in the first 50 vehicles inspected at the mall, these vehicles were located near the entrance. Much of the car park remains submerged, and extensive searches are still needed. Among those confirmed dead are a British couple in their 70s, whose family reported that they were discovered in their car several days after the floods. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported in Catalonia thus far.

Spain’s Interior Minister faced questions on Monday about the number of missing individuals but refrained from providing a specific count. Outside the Bonaire shopping mall in Aldaia, debris cluttered the roads as generators worked tirelessly to pump water from the flooded parking area.

Local police employed drones to assess the situation inside the car park, with a spokesperson indicating that they were gathering vital information to aid the rescue efforts. When asked about the expected duration of the operations, a local officer stated that they would remain until all possible rescue efforts were completed, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

In the wake of the disaster, frustration has mounted among the affected communities regarding perceived shortcomings in warning systems and support from authorities. Demonstrations erupted during a recent visit by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to the hard-hit town of Paiporta, where protesters threw mud and other objects at them. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also faced hostility and was quickly evacuated for safety.

In response to the chaotic scenes, Spain’s Civil Guard has launched an investigation. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska attributed the violence to “marginal groups” instigating unrest during a critical time.

The recent floods have raised questions about their severity and the factors contributing to the high number of casualties. In a press conference, the head of Spain’s Military Emergencies Unit (UME), General Francisco Javier Marcos, announced that they had pre-deployed 500 troops to Valencia to assist with rescue efforts as soon as they received clearance. He stated that when the situation escalated, he alerted an additional 1,000 soldiers to mobilize overnight, aiming for a swift response.

General Marcos acknowledged that the initial response was hindered by adverse weather conditions and emphasized the need for order amidst the chaos. “We must not add more disorder to an already chaotic situation,” he explained.

Local authorities in Valencia have extended travel restrictions for an additional two days to facilitate emergency operations, suspended school classes, and encouraged residents to work from home where possible. The general reported that traffic congestion was complicating the delivery of food and supplies to the 69 municipalities affected by the floods.

To bolster rescue and recovery efforts, the number of troops deployed has increased significantly, with a total of 7,800 expected to be on the ground by Monday evening. This effort is supported by 17,000 volunteers and 5,000 soldiers providing logistical assistance. A warship carrying 104 marine infantry soldiers and supplies has also arrived in Valencia’s port to aid in the recovery efforts.

General Marcos reassured the public that the UME was fully committed to the response, working extended shifts to assist affected communities. “We must be disciplined and patient,” he said, recognizing the difficulty faced by those enduring the aftermath of the disaster. “I understand that this is hard, as emotions run high in times of pain.”