Barcelona, Spain – The recent series of storms that hit eastern Spain, leading to devastating floods which claimed the lives of over 200 individuals near Valencia, made their presence felt again in Barcelona on Monday. In response to the severe weather conditions, local authorities decided to suspend all commuter rail services across the Catalonia region, home to 8 million residents. This decision came at the request of officials in civil protection, as safety remained a priority.

Residents in Barcelona received urgent warnings on their mobile devices regarding “extreme and continued rainfall” specifically targeting the southern outskirts of the city. The alerts emphasized the importance of steering clear of areas that are usually dry, such as gorges or canals, which could quickly become hazardous.

Transport Minister Óscar Puente informed the public that the intense rainfall led to adjustments in air travel, with air traffic controllers needing to redirect the paths of 15 flights arriving at Barcelona Airport, situated on the city’s southern edge. Furthermore, multiple highways were rendered impassable due to the flooding, complicating travel for many.

In Tarragona, a city located roughly midway between Barcelona and Valencia, schools were closed after authorities issued a red alert due to the anticipated downpours.

Simultaneously, the situation in Valencia remains dire as search efforts continue for victims amid the wreckage left by the recent storms. Emergency teams are laboring to find bodies hidden in damaged homes and abandoned vehicles scattered throughout the streets, highways, and canals that funneled last week’s heavy rains into populated areas.

In the midst of this overwhelming disaster, citizens, volunteers, and thousands of military personnel, alongside police officers, are engaged in a monumental clean-up operation, working tirelessly to remove mud and debris that the floods have left behind.