Spain has been hit hard by torrential rains, with flooding sweeping through regions like Valencia and Barcelona, impacting countless lives and infrastructures. As search-and-rescue efforts continue, emergency crews are particularly focused on underground parking areas in Aldaia near Valencia, where people may have been trapped as water surged through the area. Meanwhile, the nearby Catalonia region, including its capital Barcelona, also faces fresh flooding, keeping emergency responders on high alert.

Search Operations in Underground Car Parks

One of the main sites under scrutiny is an underground car park at the Bonaire shopping mall in Aldaia, located on Valencia’s outskirts. Rescue teams are concentrating their search in this area, fearing that workers and shoppers may have been caught off-guard by the rapid floodwaters. Although the first inspection of 50 vehicles near the entrance found no victims, most of the car park remains submerged, leaving significant areas unsearched.

The ongoing operation is complex and hazardous, as rescuers face high water levels, murky visibility, and potential hazards from trapped vehicles and debris. Police have deployed drones to assess the car park’s interior, allowing them to get a preliminary look at the submerged areas before physically entering them. This method helps authorities understand what they’re facing, though it does little to quicken the progress of recovery efforts.

Fresh Flooding in Barcelona Heightens Alerts

While rescue operations are still underway in Valencia, Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a red alert in the northeastern Catalonia region, warning of potential flash floods. Barcelona was struck by torrential rain early Monday morning, submerging cars on highways and flooding various parts of the city.

In particular, water has seeped into sections of Barcelona’s El Prat Airport, impacting the public area of Terminal 1. More than 60 flights have been affected, either canceled, delayed, or diverted due to the adverse weather. Additionally, rail services in and around the city have been temporarily suspended to prevent further complications, impacting daily commutes.

The Death Toll Rises as Missing Persons Continue to Be Searched

Following an extraordinary amount of rainfall, last week’s floods in Valencia led to over 217 fatalities. Tragically, they include a British couple in their seventies, who were found dead in their car after family members reported them missing. The storms struck with such intensity that many victims were caught in their vehicles on roads and in underground spaces, such as car parks and tunnels, which have proven difficult for rescuers to access.

As of Monday morning, Spain’s Interior Minister declined to estimate the total number of people still missing, citing the complexity and scale of the ongoing search-and-rescue operations.

Challenges in Valencia’s Recovery Efforts

Outside the Bonaire shopping mall, the streets are lined with rotting debris and thick mud, bearing witness to the flood’s severity. Generators hum as they work to pump out thousands of gallons of water from the shopping center’s underground areas, yet vast quantities remain, stalling cleanup efforts. Emergency personnel and residents alike face a daunting and ongoing task.

Rescue teams have encountered difficulties due to a lack of reliable information on the exact number of people potentially trapped and the specific locations that remain submerged. In addition, access to many areas is hampered by the deep mud and debris left behind by the floodwaters. Despite these challenges, rescue teams have vowed to stay on-site as long as needed to ensure a thorough search.

Public Anger at Response and Lack of Warning

The recent floods have sparked anger among local communities, with some expressing frustration over the perceived lack of warning and insufficient support from authorities. On Sunday, during a visit to the affected town of Paiporta, the King and Queen of Spain faced protests. The monarchs, along with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, were met by protesters who threw mud and other objects. Security forces quickly evacuated the Prime Minister to prevent further escalations, while the monarchs were spattered by mud in the chaotic scene.

According to Spain’s Interior Minister, the incident was incited by “marginal groups.” However, the protesters’ actions reflect a broader sentiment of frustration and dissatisfaction, as many feel unprepared and unsupported in the face of such unprecedented flooding.

Emergency Support and Travel Restrictions in Valencia

In response to the ongoing crisis, local authorities in Valencia have extended travel restrictions for an additional two days. This measure aims to facilitate emergency work by limiting civilian movement in the affected zones, ensuring that rescue and cleanup operations can proceed as efficiently as possible. Authorities have also closed schools and urged residents to work from home where possible, minimizing potential risks.

In addition, Spain’s Defense Minister has announced that a further 2,500 soldiers will join the 5,000 troops already deployed to the flood-stricken areas. These troops are tasked with distributing essential supplies like food and water, clearing debris from streets, and providing security to prevent looting in evacuated neighborhoods.

The Road to Recovery: Spain Braces for More Rain

As emergency crews work tirelessly to manage both rescue and cleanup efforts, the Spanish government continues to monitor weather patterns closely, bracing for potential further flooding. The priority remains to ensure the safety of those still at risk, while recovering and rebuilding communities devastated by the floods.

The recent events in Valencia and Barcelona serve as a sobering reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the pressing need for preparedness in facing extreme weather. The road to recovery will be long, but with the support of local authorities, emergency responders, and community resilience, Spain is determined to overcome this disaster.