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At least four people have died in eastern Spain as Storm Adam brought torrential rain and severe flooding to the Valencia and Alicante regions, prompting over 1,000 rescues.
At least four people have died in Spain after torrential rain and severe flooding swept across the country's eastern Mediterranean coast. The worst-affected areas were in the Valencia and Alicante regions, where emergency services carried out more than 1,000 rescues on October 19, 2026.
The storm, identified by Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) as DANA Adam, caused fatalities in several municipalities. In Oliva, a 79-year-old woman was found dead in her home, and a 64-year-old man died from a heart attack at a flooded campsite. In Sagunto, a 54-year-old woman drowned after entering the sea, and in Catalonia, a 35-year-old woman was swept into a stream in Cabrera de Mar.
Emergency crews rescued more than 450 people who were stranded on rooftops, in buildings, or in vehicles. Regional Emergency and Interior Minister Juan Carlos Valderrama stated that all emergency services carried out more than 1,000 air and ground rescues on October 19. The Guardia Civil reported 496 rescues and 2,141 evacuations in its operational balance.
AEMET reported exceptional rainfall amounts, with Pego in Alicante receiving 632 mm (24.9 inches) of rain in 36 hours. In Oliva, approximately 600 litres of water per square metre fell in 24 hours. Authorities imposed confinement and mobility restrictions in 145 municipalities across southern Valencia and northern Alicante, instructing residents to stay indoors and avoid travel.
By the morning of October 20, restrictions had been lifted in several municipalities, including Bellreguard, Piles, Miramar, Oliva, and Daimús in Valencia, and Xàbia, Pego, and Els Poblets in Alicante. However, schools remained closed in some areas, and the Directorate-General for Traffic reported 10 affected roads in the Valencian Community.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Oliva on Tuesday to assess the damage. "Our full solidarity, our deepest empathy and the unwavering commitment of the Spanish government to everyone affected by the [storm] across the Mediterranean," Sanchez said at a political rally in Valladolid prior to the visit. The Valencian government announced an aid package and requested that the national government designate the area as seriously impacted by a civil-protection emergency.
The flooding occurred almost two years after the October 2024 floods in the Valencia region, which killed more than 220 people according to DW, and more than 230 people according to EUToday. The latest event has renewed discussions on emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the region.
Storm Adam highlights the severe impact of high-impact DANA weather systems on Spain's Mediterranean coast. The event underscores the ongoing challenges faced by local authorities in managing extreme weather events, particularly in regions with dense populations and vulnerable infrastructure. The government's response, including military assistance and aid packages, reflects the scale of the disaster and the need for coordinated emergency measures.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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