Severe Flooding and Disruptions in Catalonia: A Challenging Week for Expats and Locals

Catalonia has been grappling with the aftermath of a powerful storm system known as the DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), which brought torrential rains and widespread disruptions to the region. Here is a detailed account of the impact and the measures taken to address the situation.

Torrential Rains and Flooding

On Monday, November 4, 2024, the Catalan government, led by the Generalitat, issued alerts for torrential rains and the risk of landslides in various areas, including Barcelona and the surrounding comarcas of Maresme, La Selva, Garraf, and Baix Llobregat. The intense precipitation, reaching up to 150 liters per square meter, caused significant flooding and infrastructure damage.

Transportation Disruptions

The severe weather conditions led to the suspension of several key transportation services. The high-speed train (AVE) service between Barcelona and Madrid was interrupted due to flooding in the tunnel near El Prat de Llobregat. According to the Minister of Transport, Oscar Puente, the service was halted until maintenance teams could address the issue[2].

Additionally, the Rodalies commuter train service was suspended shortly after 10:30 AM on the same day. All lines, except for the RL3 (Lleida-Cervera), were affected, leaving commuters without alternative transportation options. The suspension was set to continue until the alert issued by the Generalitat of Catalonia was lifted, initially expected by 2 PM[2].

Road Closures and Traffic Restrictions

The heavy rains also caused road closures and traffic restrictions. The A-27 highway in Valls was closed due to a landslide, while the AP-7 highway near Tarragona and the C-32 road near El Prat Airport were temporarily inundated but later reopened. These closures and restrictions significantly impacted travel within the region[2].

Educational and Health Services

The storm's impact extended to educational and health services. Classes were suspended in Tarragona, as well as in the comarcas of Garraf and Baix Llobregat. Non-urgent activities in hospitals such as Bellvitge, Viladecans, Parc Taulí in Terrassa, and medical services in Vallés, Maresme, and La Selva were also halted[2].

Public Safety and Emergency Measures

The Catalan government and emergency services urged the public to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines. Núria Parlon, the Interior Minister, emphasized the need to stay informed through emergency and meteorological services, as the situation was dynamic and required constant updates. Municipalities in the Maresme comarca closed access to underground passages due to the risk of flooding[2].

Ongoing Recovery Efforts

As the storm moved northward, the Generalitat continued to monitor the situation closely. The recovery efforts included restoring transportation services, clearing roads, and assessing the damage to infrastructure. The government also provided support to those affected by the flooding, including thousands of people who were displaced due to the severe weather conditions[3].

For expats living in Catalonia, this period has been particularly challenging, highlighting the importance of staying informed and prepared for such natural disasters. The resilience and coordination of local authorities and emergency services have been crucial in mitigating the impact of the DANA and ensuring public safety.