The Generalitat reactivates the ES-Alert alarm for torrential rains in Catalonia, with floods in Granollers and impacts on mobility

Two people have been reported missing due to torrential rains in Catalonia, with flooding affecting areas such as Granollers and disruptions to mobility. Updated Monday, October 5, 2026, at 22:40, reports indicate that the Catalan government has issued three ES-Alert messages for the Barcelona region and surrounding areas, including Alt Penedès, Garraf, Baix Llobregat, Vallés Occidental, Vallés Oriental, Maresme, and La Selva (Girona). These alerts warn of intense rainfall expected over the coming hours. The storm resulted in two deaths in Tordera and Montornés del Vallés last weekend. Emergency services are searching for two missing individuals, one reportedly swept away by floodwaters in Pineda de Mar (Barcelona), and a 12-year-old boy who disappeared in Granollers. While the latter’s disappearance appears unrelated to the rain, the weather conditions complicate rescue efforts. President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, announced that the Executive Council will approve an urgent aid package of 75 million euros for municipalities severely impacted by the damage caused by the rains. Several mayors have already requested the declaration of a disaster zone. Illa led a meeting of the Catalonia Operational Coordination Center (Cecat) alongside Interior and Public Security Minister Núria Parlon. He emphasized that the meteorological situation exceeded predictions, noting that this episode was not forecasted by models. Illa urged citizens to take maximum precautions. In the eastern part of the Vallés, a confinement order was in effect for several hours. In Granollers, roads were flooded early in the morning, trapping vehicles and causing at least two road collapses. Water leaks occurred at the General Hospital of Granollers, leading to the suspension of school activities in the town of 65,000 residents. Over 100 millimeters of rain had fallen by mid-morning, with some areas recording more than 40 millimeters within half an hour. Authorities warned residents to exercise caution during travel and avoid flooded zones. Other towns, besides Granollers, also suspended educational activities. The Catalonia Meteorological Service (Meteocat) predicted heavy rain until 14:00, along the coastal and pre-coastal regions, according to its radar forecasts. Meteocat also issued red warnings for precipitation levels of 5 out of 6 in Barcelona and surrounding areas, which could continue until early Wednesday, potentially reaching up to 40 millimeters in 30 minutes. Transportation networks faced disruptions since the weekend, particularly in the most populated area of Catalonia, mainly affecting the Rodalies rail network with partial or total service interruptions. Metro lines and roadways were also affected. In Barcelona, streets in neighborhoods like Canyelles were flooded, prompting bus route changes or restrictions. At least 29 flights were canceled at Barcelona-El Prat Airport in the morning, 15 departing from Barcelona and 14 arriving. High-speed rail services between La Sagrera and Barcelona-Sants were suspended around 10:00 AM due to signaling issues, though operations resumed by noon. Over 6,000 customers of Endesa in Catalonia experienced power supply issues due to the rains starting early Monday.