Heavy rain lashes Spain, killing man

Heavy rainfall swept across eastern Spain on Thursday, resulting in the death of a man and causing widespread disruption. Authorities in Catalonia and Valencia warned residents to avoid unnecessary travel and take extreme caution. The deluge struck as Spain grappled with its hottest summer on record and an unusually warm September, exacerbating the impact of the climate crisis.

The national weather agency AEMET issued red alerts for Barcelona, where a man was swept away by a stream while driving a car. Catalan firefighters recovered the body from Olivella, about 40 kilometers west of the city. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez cautioned of "very complicated situations" and prompted mass telephone alerts. Some Barcelona metro stations closed and buses rerouted as streets were flooded.

Regional trains also faced disruption, and flights were delayed or canceled at Barcelona's El Prat airport. In Valencia, torrential rain dumped over 70 millimeters in just half an hour, leading to over 500 incidents reported by emergency services. Most of these were caused by property damage, leaks, and traffic issues. Valencia's metro lines were suspended, and the city's airport was closed for hours, causing 12 flights to be diverted.

A football match between Levante and Athletic Bilbao was postponed due to waterlogged pitch conditions. Further south, Almeria and Murcia suspended classes as a precaution, with 478 incidents reported in total. Scientists attribute the intensified Mediterranean storms to human-driven climate change, as the sea absorbs heat during the summer, leading to increased evaporation and heavier rainfall.