Spain braces for fresh floods as death toll rises near Barcelona

Spain's national weather agency AEMET has activated a red alert—its most severe classification—for Valencia and Mallorca, warning of extraordinary danger from torrential rainfall expected in the early hours of Monday. The alert signals an imminent threat of severe weather that could bring significant flooding to these densely populated regions.

The warning follows recent flood incidents that claimed at least one life near Barcelona, as heavy rains inundated parts of Catalonia and surrounding areas. Authorities have urged residents and businesses in affected zones to take precautionary measures, including securing property and avoiding travel during the peak rainfall hours.

The red alert system in Spain is reserved for weather events posing exceptional risk to public safety and infrastructure. Meteorologists predict the rainfall will be particularly intense in coastal areas and low-lying zones, where water accumulation could pose significant hazards to communities.

Emergency services across the regions have been placed on high alert, with rescue teams positioned strategically to respond to potential incidents. Regional authorities are coordinating evacuation procedures and ensuring shelters are prepared for residents who may need to leave vulnerable areas during the storm.