One dead, two missing as torrential rains trigger flash floods in southern Spain

Torrential rainfall across southern and eastern Spain over the weekend has left one person dead and two others missing, authorities said on Sunday evening, as overflowing riverbeds swept away vehicles and officials urged residents to stay indoors.

In Malaga, Spain’s Civil Guard reported that a man was found dead after his van was carried away by floodwaters. A second occupant of the vehicle remains missing, the force said on its X account.

In Granada, emergency teams are searching for a young person who was swept away while attempting to cross a riverbed on a motorcycle, according to state news agency EFE.

Authorities in Valencia, where deadly floods in October last year killed more than 220 people and caused billions of euros in damage, issued red alerts on Sunday, urging residents to remain on high ground and indoors. Eight additional provinces were placed on orange alert, signalling serious risks to life and property and warning of worsening conditions.

The floods follow a history of sudden, severe rainfall in the region, which in 2024 prompted widespread criticism of local and national authorities for failing to provide timely warnings, eventually leading to the resignation of Valencia’s regional leader.

Elsewhere, in Barcelona, Catalonia, a woman was hospitalised on Saturday after a lamppost was torn down by 70 km/h winds, the regional civil protection agency told Europa Press.

Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions and advise residents to remain cautious as heavy rain and strong winds persist across affected areas.

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