Storm Adam Claims Second Life in Spain Amidst Widespread Flooding
The Spanish army has been deployed to assist in recovery efforts in the Balearic Islands and Valencia region.
Storm Adam has claimed a second victim in Spain, as torrential rain and flash floods have devastated tourist hotspots and prompted the mobilization of the army to aid in recovery efforts. The Balearic Islands, including Ibiza and Majorca, and parts of the Valencian Autonomous Community are particularly affected, with high alert warnings in place.
In Malgrat de Mar, near Barcelona, the body of a 35-year-old woman was found Sunday after she was swept away by a swollen stream the previous evening in front of her young daughter. Separately, a woman's body was recovered off the coast near Valencia after she went skinny dipping in the sea despite an orange storm alert. A Dutch man who was swimming with her managed to exit the water and alert authorities.
Specialist units from the Spanish Army's UME (Unidad Militar de Emergencias) have been deployed to Ibiza and Majorca to support local emergency services. In Ibiza, army officers were seen pumping waist-high water from flooded garages. The island's airport experienced a two-hour closure due to the rain, leading to flight cancellations and diversions. This marks a return for the army to Ibiza, which experienced similar flooding chaos last year.
Schools in Majorca, Ibiza, and Formentera have been closed. An orange alert remains in effect for the Balearic Islands, while a red alert has been issued for parts of the Valencian Autonomous Community, including areas around Valencia city and Alicante, which could see rainfall of up to 350mm.
Oliva, a town 45 minutes from Valencia, has experienced historic floods, with roads turning into rivers. In the Costa Blanca holiday resort of Javea, nearly 100 people were evacuated from a campsite and transferred to a Red Cross shelter. The storm has caused widespread flooding across southern and eastern Spain, impacting regions like Almeria and Malaga.
Emergency services have responded to over 100 calls, many involving individuals trapped in vehicles due to floodwaters. Authorities have urged residents and tourists to stay indoors, avoid non-essential travel, and stay clear of low-lying areas, riverbeds, and coastlines. Public buildings have been closed, and events like football matches and concerts have been canceled.