Heavy rains linked to the same Mediterranean storm system claimed two lives and left one person missing in Catalonia on 4 October, according to regional emergency services quoted by Reuters. One victim died when a wall collapsed at a campsite in Tordera, north of Barcelona, while another drowned in a flooded garage in Montornès del Vallès. Authorities urged residents in Girona province to avoid travel near the Ridaura and Daró rivers, which burst their banks overnight. Several secondary roads and stretches of the N-150 and C-1413 remained closed, and Renfe warned that inspections might extend the suspension of services announced earlier. The fatalities intensify scrutiny of Spain’s flood-prevention infrastructure. Environmental engineers note that rapid urbanisation along the Maresme coast has paved over natural watercourses, exacerbating run-off and overwhelming drainage. Businesses with property in flood-prone industrial parks are encouraged to review insurance cover and business-continuity plans. Tourism boards fear negative headlines could deter last-minute autumn bookings; however, industry analysts say perceptions will recover quickly if transport links resume within days. The Generalitat has requested EU Solidarity Fund support to repair damaged public infrastructure. Employers with posted workers in construction and agri-food sites around Girona should ensure robust health-and-safety briefings and consider staggered shift patterns to reduce commuting during peak rainfall periods.
Source: Reuters (via Investing.com)
