Torrential rain and flash floods across north-eastern Spain have left one person dead and caused widespread disruption in Catalonia and Valencia. The flooding has affected roads, public transport, airports and other infrastructure, prompting authorities to advise people to avoid unnecessary travel.

The victim was found in Olivella, west of Barcelona, after his car was swept away by a stream. Catalonia recorded more than 850 emergency calls and over 500 incidents, while Valencia saw rainfall exceeding 70mm in 30 minutes in some areas and reported 478 incidents. The storms follow Spain’s hottest summer on record, and scientists say climate change is intensifying Mediterranean rainfall.