Lorraine Williamson
A night of violent storms turned deadly in Catalonia on Sunday, leaving a child dead and sparking a desperate search for the boy’s missing father. Heavy rain swept through the region, overflowing rivers and triggering hundreds of emergency calls, train rescues, and mountain evacuations.
The tragedy unfolded around 6.30 pm near Sant Quintí de Mediona in Alt Penedès. A car carrying a father and his son was dragged into the raging Bitlles River. Emergency teams later recovered the body of a child believed to be 11 or 12 years old downstream near Sant Pere de Riudebitlles. The father remains missing despite an intensive search involving drones, search dogs, and a helicopter.
Catalan interior minister Núria Parlon confirmed that 87 firefighters and specialist units resumed operations at first light on Monday. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Catalan president Salvador Illa both expressed condolences to the family.
Storm chaos across Barcelona province
The same storm system battered much of Catalonia, with the 112 emergency line receiving over 670 calls by Sunday evening. Firefighters reported over 300 incidents, ranging from flooded streets to fallen trees and dangerous road conditions.
Vallès Occidental, Baix Llobregat, Barcelonès, Bages, and La Selva were the worst-hit areas, where sudden downpours turned small streams into torrents.
Dramatic evacuations on Montserrat
Dramatic waterfalls gushed down the slopes of Montserrat mountain as landslides blocked the Sant Joan funicular. Twenty-seven passengers were safely evacuated with the help of five fire crews. Authorities also closed the trail to the Santa Cova shrine, linked to the legend of the Black Madonna, after rocks and mud made it impassable.
Nearby, 30 hikers were stranded by the sudden storm and had to be guided down using ropes and harnesses. In Castellbell i el Vilar, firefighters rescued 50 passengers—including babies—from a stalled train struck by a fallen tree.
Rivers that rise in minutes
Catalonia’s rugged landscape is crisscrossed by small rivers and narrow valleys that can swell dangerously within minutes of heavy rain. Authorities have urged residents and visitors to stay clear of flooded roads and heed all weather alerts as the region faces more unsettled conditions in the days ahead.
The deadly flood serves as a stark reminder of how quickly Catalonia’s rivers can transform into lethal torrents. With autumn rains intensifying, emergency services are reinforcing warnings for the public to avoid driving or walking through rising waters.
Update: Father’s body found
Since the original report, Catalan president Salvador Illa confirmed via social media that rescue teams had recovered the body of the missing father. “Unfortunately, the rescue teams have found the lifeless body of the second person who disappeared due to the floods in Catalonia,” he wrote, offering condolences and support to the family and friends of the victims. Illa urged the public to exercise extreme caution and follow all guidance from @emergenciescat as unstable weather continues.
Sources: La Vanguardia, ABC