What is the location of the flooding?
Since October 12, 2025, torrential rains from Storm Alice have triggered devastating floods in northeastern Catalonia, primarily in Tarragona and Ebro Delta, with up to 272mm rainfall recorded in Mas de Barberans. Muddy torrents swept through streets, submerging vehicles. The storm also caused flooding in Ibiza and southeastern Spain in recent days (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
The following areas have been affected by flooding:
In Catalonia, torrential rain caused streams and ravines to overflow, dragging cars and containers through streets. The towns of La Ràpita, Santa Bàrbara, Amposta, Godall and Mas de Barberans were among the worst affected.
In Ibiza, flooding on October 11 submerged roads and the airport, disrupting transport and leaving vehicles stranded. In Valencia, heavy rain triggered alerts, with Carcaixent recording 110 mm of rainfall in one hour (4).
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Containment is ongoing with 998 emergency calls since October 12. Fire services rescuing trapped people from vehicles and buildings, no deaths or injuries reported. Roads, motorways, and Mediterranean Corridor trains suspended (3). Ibiza airport operations recovering after halt, with army pumping water and clearing roads. Situation tense with more rain forecast (2).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Red alert in Tarragona warns of 180mm rain in 12 hours, residents urged to stay indoors and avoid waterways. Mass telephone alerts issued for Montsia region. Educational, sporting, and social activities suspended Monday in five vulnerable areas, work from home advised. No mass evacuations, but travel bans in place.
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How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
