Spain is facing its worst floods in years, killing at least 217 people. Most of the casualties occurred near Valencia, which was hit by devastating floods last week.

On Monday, November 4, recurring storms in eastern Spain dumped rain on Barcelona, ​​disrupting flights and some train services. More rain is expected in some parts of the country today.

Let’s take a closer look.

Rain paralyzed Barcelona

While search and rescue operations continued in Valencia, a powerful hailstorm hit Barcelona in eastern Spain on Monday.

An alert sent to mobile phones warned people in Barcelona of “excessive and ongoing rainfall” on the city’s southern outskirts. Associated Press (AP) report.

People were urged to avoid normally dry gorges or canals.

Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente has suspended suburban rail service in northeastern Catalonia, home to 8 million (80 lakh) people. Citizens were warned: “Do not travel unless necessary.”

Local media showed vehicles partially submerged on the highway. Many highways had to be closed to traffic due to the flood.

Classes were canceled after a red alert was issued in the city of Tarragona in the south of Catalonia due to heavy rain.

Images on social media show stairwells and streets covered in water. Sky News.

Spain’s airport operator Aena has canceled or postponed around 50 flights due to depart from Barcelona’s El Prat airport. In the X account, it was stated that 17 planes that were to land at the airport on Monday morning were diverted to alternative airports.

A spokesperson told Reuters The rains stopped late Monday morning and the airport was back in operation.

Valencia bears the brunt of this

The storm that hit Valencia last week brought a year’s worth of rain. It was reported that rescue teams focused on underground car parks and the search for missing people continued on Monday. BBC.

They also searched houses, canals and damaged cars scattered along streets and highways for bodies.

There are fears that shoppers and workers will be trapped in the underground car park of a shopping mall in the municipality of Aldaia, on the outskirts of Valencia.

About 50 soldiers, police and firefighters searched the parking lot, using small boats and spotlights to pass between submerged vehicles. AP.

According to police spokesman Ricardo Gutiérrez, no victims were found in the first 50 vehicles found in the area.

Rescue teams used drones and water pumps to search and clear underground parking lots and garages. “With these drones, we can send them into garages and get the first visual of what’s going on,” the police spokesman said. Reuters.

On Monday morning, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska did not share how many people were still missing.

Authorities in flood-hit Valencia extended travel restrictions for another two days, canceled school classes and urged people to work from home.

public anger It arose due to a lack of warning and a feeling of abandonment by the authorities.

Spain’s royal couple, King Felipe and Queen Letizia, faced anger from survivors in Paiporta, where more than 60 people died on Sunday. Protesters chanted “Murderers, murderers!” he shouted, hurling mud and insults at the monarchs and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Interior minister blames “marginal groups” for inciting violence in statement to public broadcaster TVE It was learned that an investigation was launched.

The military deployed more than 5,000 soldiers over the weekend to help distribute food and water, assist with cleanup efforts and guard against looters, Defense Minister Margarita Robles told state-run radio. RNE. He said 2,500 more soldiers would be pressed into service.

A warship carrying food and water with 104 sailors, helicopters and trucks arrived at the port of Valencia on Monday.

Thousands of volunteers help clear debris from streets and homes.

The Spanish government said it would announce a package of aid measures to help people cope with the situation. Reuters reported.

Is climate change to blame?

It is not uncommon to witness storms that cause flooding in the autumn in Spain. However, this time the country experienced one of Europe’s worst floods of the century.

Deadly floods in Valencia, where the highest number of casualties occurred
veal phenomenon. This weather phenomenon occurs as a result of the collision of warm and humid air with cold air.

Scientists say climate change is causing extreme weather conditions. According to meteorologists, the warming of the Mediterranean Sea, which increases the evaporation of water, causes downpours to become more intense.

With input from agencies