Else Beekman
Catalonia’s southern region, particularly Tarragona, is grappling with severe weather as torrential rains pound Montsià, Baix Ebre, Terra Alta, and Ribera d’Ebre. The intensity has prompted the Generalitat to issue maximum danger warnings (6/6) for these areas, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and take extreme caution in flood-prone locations.
Protection Civil de la Generalitat has sent urgent alerts directly to residents’ phones, recommending restricted movement and heightened precautions. Schools have been closed throughout affected areas, and five major roads, including the C-12 and N-340, are now blocked due to hazardous conditions. Additionally, Renfe has suspended train services between L’Aldea and Tortosa until further notice. Furtnermore, operations across the Tarragona-L’Aldea line are reduced to 50%, affecting both regional and Avant services. The rail operator has stated that it cannot provide alternate transport by road under the current conditions.
ALERTA #INUNCAT
Enviament d’una Alerta de #ProteccioCivil als mòbils amb ORDRE DE RESTRICCIÓ DE LA MOBILITAT
Es demana restringir la mobilitat i extremar precaucions a zones inundables i lleres a les comarques de Baix Ebre, Montsià i Terra Alta. pic.twitter.com/6pYtzVsH9E
— Protecció civil (@emergenciescat) October 31, 2024
Potential flash floods
Salvador Illa, President of the Generalitat, issued a public statement ahead of a crisis meeting, reaffirming that emergency plans such as Inuncat have been in place since Tuesday evening. Emphasising the danger posed by potential flash floods, strong winds, hailstorms, and even tornadoes, Illa urged residents to limit outdoor activity and heed warnings. The severe weather is particularly concerning around the Delta del Ebro, a vulnerable ecosystem that remains on high alert as the storm continues.
Additional emergency resources mobilised
In response to the crisis, Catalonia has activated emergency crews, including the Mossos d’Esquadra, Generalitat Fire Brigade, and Rural Agents, who are deploying drones and helicopters equipped with cameras to support search efforts. Illa’s administration has also reached out to the Valencian Community, offering support with personnel and specialised equipment as Valencia continues to recover from recent catastrophic flooding.
Also read: AEMET issues red alert for “extreme rainfall” in Castellón