Catalonia is reeling from historic torrential rains that have triggered deadly flooding, severe infrastructure damage, and widespread transportation disruptions. Since Saturday, relentless storms have battered the region, with the latest downpour on Tuesday evening dumping nearly 100 liters per square meter in under two hours in areas like Xerta and Benifallet, submerging roads and trapping drivers. Emergency services conducted over 20 rescues in the Baix Ebre region alone, while the first mass alert via Es Alert was not issued until 17:46, nearly two hours after the heaviest rain began .

The flooding has claimed at least two lives, with two others reported missing, and crippled rail and air travel. Rodalies commuter lines—including R14, R15, R16, and R17—faced repeated suspensions due to track flooding and a tree collapse near Vilanova i la Geltrú, stranding passengers. Barcelona’s El Prat Airport canceled 47 flights and diverted dozens more after a power failure in the control tower halted ground operations, while metro services in the city saw partial closures, including the L9 Sud line to the airport .

Emergency calls surged to 661 by Tuesday night, with the hardest-hit areas including Barcelonès, Baix Ebre, and Tarragonès. The Catalan Meteorological Service recorded up to 83.6 liters per square meter in Aldover, while unofficial stations in Castelldefels reported up to 85 liters. Firefighters responded to 188 incidents between 18:00 and 21:00, with 78 calls from Tarragona and 46 from Terres de l’Ebre . Authorities warned that recovery from the damage would be prolonged.