Extreme rainfall causes flooding and fills water reservoirs in Catalonia

Exceptional rainfall across Catalonia has caused significant flooding and tested urban infrastructure. In Sant Cugat, an unusual weather event between September 29 and October 6 saw 260 liters of rain per square meter, representing approximately 43% of the city's annual average. On October 3 alone, the city recorded 105.3 liters per square meter, the highest single-day figure since 2013. The deluge caused over 250 incidents, including flooding in the Sant Jordi area, landslides, fallen trees, and damage to buildings and infrastructure in neighborhoods such as La Floresta, Les Planes, and Sol i Aire.

In Barcelona, the intense rainfall on October 3 and 4, totaling 280 liters per square meter in four days, led to a historic milestone: for the first time, all 15 of the city's rainwater storage reservoirs were filled simultaneously. The reservoirs, located approximately 30 meters underground, have a combined capacity of 500 million liters, a threshold that was exceeded within 24 hours. Officials noted that the rapid influx required accelerated drainage procedures to manage the volume. The reservoir system is designed to prevent street flooding by capturing excess water from the sewage network before it overflows onto the surface.