Spain braces for more floods after woman dies near Barcelona

Spain is bracing for more severe flooding following a powerful storm that has already claimed a life near Barcelona. The Mediterranean storm, predicted to intensify on Monday, has submerged streets and disrupted transport in the region. The country's weather agency, AEMET, has issued a red alert, warning of extraordinary danger from torrential rain.

Holiday destinations such as Mallorca, Ibiza, and Formentera have suspended classes, and emergency services in Valencia, Catalonia, Andalusia, and the Balearic Islands have reported hundreds of incidents linked to flooded homes, roads, and fallen trees. The army has been deployed in Ibiza and Mallorca to assist with the emergency.

In Ibiza, roads have turned into lakes, and beach resorts, known for their nightlife, are deserted. The main motorway to Ibiza airport is closed, leading to flight cancellations and diversions. The Catalan fire service confirmed the death of a woman who fell into a stream on Saturday near Barcelona. Andalusia has reported dozens of rescues, including from a flooded tunnel in Malaga.

Scientists attribute the intensification of Mediterranean storms to climate change, as the sea absorbs heat from the warmer summer temperatures, leading to increased evaporation and heavier rainfall. September 2023 was the hottest September on record for mainland Spain, following the warmest summer between June and August.