Two people are missing in Cubelles, in Catalonia, after being swept away by the flood of the Foix during violent thunderstorms that occurred on Saturday, July 12, 2025. Torrential rains caused floods, disturbed rail traffic, and damaged infrastructure, including a hospital and a plane from Barcelona.
In a shocking turn of events, two individuals are currently reported missing in Catalonia, northeastern Spain, following exceptionally heavy rainfall that struck the region on Saturday evening. The torrential rains triggered flooding that disrupted rail services for several hours, emanating a wave of concern among the residents.
In a statement via the social network X, local firefighters confirmed, “We are looking for two people in Cubelles,” a commune boasting a population of 17,000 inhabitants located roughly 50 kilometers from Barcelona . They specified that these individuals were likely swept away by the Foix River , which flows into the Mediterranean Sea, adding that search efforts are concentrated on both the river’s banks and its mouth.
This alarming situation surfaced as Catalonia experienced diluvian rains on Saturday afternoon, prompting authorities to declare a red alert . Numerous residents received serious alerts via text messaging, urging them to stay alert and take precautionary measures.
Impact of the Floods
The severe rainfall resulted in widespread flooding , notably impacting a hospital in Barcelona that had to refuse new patient admissions due to an electric outage caused by the floods. Incredibly, an airplane that had just left for the United States was forced to return to the airport after the aircraft suffered hail damage to its nose, according to air traffic control reports.
The unpredictability of the weather forced the local railway company to suspend train services for several hours across Catalonia, affecting high-speed connections as well as regional and suburban rail lines. This compounded the chaos that residents faced amid the torrential downpour.
Emergency services managed to assist over 70 individuals affected by the floods, though thankfully no serious injuries were reported. The red alert , which took effect around 5:00 PM , was lifted shortly after 7:00 PM, but the lingering concern still looms over the region.
Affected Areas Beyond Catalonia
The consequences of this tempestuous weather extended well beyond Catalonia , affecting several other regions in northern and eastern Spain, including Aragon and the Valencia community . Soldiers from the military emergency unit (UME) were deployed to assist with rescue and recovery efforts in these areas.
Amazingly, Valencia had previously experienced a devastating episode of torrential rains that occurred in late October, resulting in 227 fatalities . The aftermath of that disaster led to widespread criticism aimed at the regional authorities for their inadequate preparation and response, showcasing the need for improved strategies to deal with severe weather conditions.
The ongoing situation raises critical questions about environmental changes and the capability of infrastructure to weather the storm. With extreme weather becoming increasingly common, preparations and community support systems must become more resilient to avert future tragedies. The heart of Catalonia, with its rich history and thriving communities, is now uniquely challenged by natural forces that could herald an uncertain future.
As the search continues for the missing individuals and recovery efforts ramp up, it becomes imperative for regional authorities to take actionable steps. Community preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and rapid response measures will be cornerstone principles in ensuring that such calamities are better managed in the future. The specter of last year’s devastating rains looms large; the echoes of the past serve as reminders that vigilance and preparation can save lives.