Barcelona issues rare 'RED' rain weather warning with locals alerted to 'extreme danger'
Military unit rescues people as several bodies found in flood-hit areas of Spain
GB NEWS
Barcelona has been placed under a red alert for "extreme danger" due to torrential rainfall, prompting authorities to suspend commuter rail services across Catalonia.
The Spanish Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, announced the suspension affecting the region's eight million residents.
Mobile phones in Barcelona blared with warnings of "extreme and continued rainfall", urging people to avoid dry gorges and canals.
The severe weather has disrupted air traffic, with 15 flights rerouted at Barcelona's airport.
Several highways have been closed due to flooding, whilst classes in Tarragona, south of Barcelona, have been cancelled.
In Valencia, the search for flood victims continues amidst widespread devastation.
A rare 'red' weather warning is in place in Barcelona
GETTY
The death toll has risen to at least 217, with an unknown number of people still missing.
Rescue teams are scouring houses and thousands of wrecked cars strewn across streets, highways, and canals.
In Aldaia, a team of 50 soldiers, police, and firefighters are searching a submerged shopping centre car park.
Police spokesman Ricardo Gutiérrez reported that 50 vehicles had been found, but no bodies discovered thus far.
The scale of the disaster has left many feeling abandoned by authorities, with anger erupting during a royal visit to Paiporta, where over 60 people perished.
The cleanup operation continues with citizens, volunteers, and thousands of military personnel working tirelessly to clear mud and debris.
Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated that a reliable estimate of the missing is not yet possible.
The Spanish navy's transport vessel "Galicia" has arrived in Valencia's port, bringing marines, helicopters, and trucks loaded with food and water to support the relief effort.
In total, 7,500 soldiers and thousands of police reinforcements have been deployed to assist in the aftermath of what has become the deadliest flooding in living memory for Spaniards.
The severe weather in Spain has sparked public outcry and government response.
During a visit to Paiporta by Spain's royal couple, the prime minister, and regional leaders, angry residents threw mud at the officials.
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