Devastating floods as biblical storm lashes Spain as mother is swept away by raging torrent and streets are turned into rivers
A woman in her 40s is feared dead after being swept away while trying to cross a swollen stream with her young daughter in Cabrera de Mar, near Barcelona. Her husband managed to save their daughter as torrential rain flooded streets across parts of Spain, prompting dangerous weather warnings and widespread emergency responses.
The woman disappeared at about 7.30pm on Saturday; six fire units, rescue teams, police divers and drones joined the search. Storm Adam was forecast to bring 250 to 350 millimetres of rain to Valencia and nearby areas within 24 hours, while a rare danger-to-life warning covered parts of the Costa Blanca and southern Spain. Emergency services had received more than 100 calls, many from people trapped in cars, while public buildings, roads and events were closed or restricted.
- A mother was swept away while crossing a flooded stream near Barcelona.
- Her daughter was saved by her father.
- Storm Adam brought life-threatening flood warnings and more than 100 emergency calls.
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Spain’s Mediterranean coast, including Catalonia near Barcelona and the Valencia region, can receive intense rain that quickly overwhelms streams, drains and roads. When water rises rapidly, crossings and low-lying streets can become dangerous, especially for people in vehicles or on foot.
Spain’s national weather agency issues alerts when severe conditions are expected, while regional authorities and emergency services organise rescues and restrictions. Heavy rain can disrupt transport, close public spaces and put residents and visitors at risk across a wide area.