Else Beekman
The ongoing DANA storm, which has left at least 63 people dead across Valencia, Albacete, and Cuenca, is now raising water levels in the Ebro River and its tributaries, threatening to flood multiple towns in Tarragona.
According to the Ebro Hydrographic Confederation (CHE), sudden increases in water flow are expected in several rivers and streams, with Tarragona among the regions on high alert.
Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) predicts rainfall reaching 20 litres per square metre in just one hour, intensifying concerns in areas already experiencing water level spikes. The CHE has warned of potential flooding in the Queiles, Huecha, Jalón, Jiloca, Huerva, Aguas Vivas, Martín, Guadalope, and Matarraña basins, all of which are downstream from the Ebro.
In Tarragona, the towns most at risk of flooding include Tortosa, La Sénia, La Galera, Els Valentins, Masdenverge, Amposta, and L’Oriola. Localised flash floods are also likely in areas of Castellón, the Ebro valley, southern Huesca, central and southern Navarra, Cinco Villas, and La Rioja.
Flood warnings across Catalonia’s key regions
Catalonia’s Civil Protection Agency has activated the Inuncat emergency plan, alerting residents to the high risk of flooding, especially in Terres de l’Ebre, Barcelona, and central Catalonia. Citizens are advised to monitor weather updates and take necessary precautions. Catalonia’s regional police force, the Mossos d’Esquadra, has also urged people to check road conditions before leaving their homes.
Train disruptions and stranded passengers
Transport links between Catalonia and Valencia are heavily impacted. The Rodalies R16 train line from Tortosa is currently closed, and traffic on the Mediterranean Corridor rail line has also been suspended. Hundreds of passengers remain stranded on these halted routes, adding to the disruptions caused by the extreme weather conditions.
Also read: Sánchez urges caution as DANA storm persists, promises aid from state and EU