• Source:JND
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Spain's Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia regions suffered at the hands of Storm Gabrielle, which brought torrential rain and flooding throughout the weekend. Roads became raging rivers, vehicles were swept from the streets, and houses were flooded as emergency workers struggled to get to those in need.

Authorities issued a red weather alert on Sunday, closing schools, public spaces, and transport links. The storm struck barely a year after deadly floods killed more than 230 people in the region, leaving residents deeply anxious.

Local television network RTVE said torrential showers caught streets and drainage networks off guard, engulfing families within their homes. Rainfall of as much as 57 litres per square metre in only 35 minutes caused mayhem throughout the city of Valencia.

Rescues And Evacuations In Affected Towns

The hardest-hit zones were Cuarte, Cadrete, and María de Huerva, where there were over 120 emergency callouts in a single night that were managed by emergency services. Firefighters and civil defence forces toiled throughout the day and night to rescue stranded motorists and residents.

Videos on the internet depicted vehicles half-submerged in flood waters and whole residential areas isolated. Firefighters in Castellón pulled a driver stuck in a submerged car to safety. In Manises, disturbing videos show vehicles drifting on flooded streets.

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Authorities have confirmed that though most individuals managed to escape with little damage, the extent of destruction was massive. Heavy equipment from the Department of Public Works has already been mobilised to clear ruins and open closed roads as part of a cleanup effort.

Holiday Islands Also Devastated

Spain's holiday paradise islands of Ibiza and Formentera were also struck by record-breaking rain on Tuesday, which caused flash floods, beach closures, and school closures. Emergency services said 220 tourists were evacuated when a partial rockfall hit two floors of the HT Vibra Tropical Garden hotel in Ibiza. Four individuals were rescued, while three were injured.

The rockfall, which occurred close to Ramon Muntaner Street, was attributed to the incessant rain. Balearics' footage featured inundated streets, fallen walls, and visitors walking through waters knee-deep.

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Though Storm Gabrielle has since shifted east into Alicante and the Balearics, the red alert has been reduced to orange. Officials advise that flash floods and landslides are still likely due to the fact that the ground is already waterlogged.