By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-09-17 22:30:52 | Updated at 2026-09-17 23:19:18
1 hour ago
Torrential rain and deadly floods have hit a popular British holiday hotspot as a red alert is issued across the region.
So far, devastating weather has wreaked havoc across Catalonia and Valencia as Spain's national weather agency AEMET warned of heavy rain across the east.
Shocking footage shared online has revealed cars submerged in the flooding while water can be seen gushing through the streets.
In one, rescuers attempt to retrieve a vehicle trapped in an underpass.
Firefighters have already recovered a "lifeless body of a man" in Olivella, around 25 miles away from Barcelona, after his car was swept down a stream.
He was recovered 500 metres away from his vehicle after an eyewitness contacted emergency services at around 11pm on Wednesday night.
A subsequent search and rescue operation recovered the Briton as water continued to furiously flow in the Begues waterway.
The victim has been identified as a British national but is yet to be named.
Officials said they recovered the body of a British national
REUTERS
He is reported to have been travelling alone, in his late 40s and his wife has been informed of the news.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed the Briton had died amid the torrential flooding.
A spokesman said: "We are aware of the death of a British national during the flooding in Catalonia and stand ready to provide consular assistance to the family."
Catalan officials said the only person who died was the Briton.
Cars have been seen partially submerged in the waters
REUTERS
Olivella's mayor, Marta Verdego, confirmed the local town hall had warned about the possible flooding earlier in the afternoon on Wednesday – when it was still sunny.
Travel chaos has also erupted across the region following the deluge as roads are submerged and flights cancelled.
Over in Barcelona, several underground stations were closed while buses above ground were diverted.
Meanwhile, domestic travel, including trains and flights, has been paused.
So far, Catalonian authorities have taken more than 850 calls about the horrific weather as senior officials instructed residents to avoid all unnecessary travel.
Officers have logged more than 550 incidents related to the downpours.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez alerted the locals of "very complicated situations".
In Valencia, more than 70mm (2.76 inches) of rainfall fell in just half an hour across a number of municipalities, AVAMET reported.
