A mother and her 18-year-old daughter who were seriously injured when a wall collapsed during flash flooding over the weekend in northeast Spain have died, authorities said Wednesday. The pair were among three people injured on Saturday when the wall collapsed near the seafront at the port of Roda de Bera, about 75 kilometers southwest of Barcelona.
The mother and her daughter had been sheltering at a stall at a market when the force of the water caused a wall separating a street from a private property to collapse on them, according to Spanish media reports. Roda de Bera town hall announced on Instagram that the two women, who had been in critical condition, had died and declared two days of official mourning.
Catalan regional president Salvador Illa expressed his condolences to the women's family on X, saying the news had 'hit us deeply' and offering his full support during the 'painful moments'. A total of 11 people were injured in the storm, which forced the evacuation of a campsite and a nightclub, flooded streets and left people trapped in cars.
Flash floods are a growing concern in many parts of the world due to climate change, which is causing more extreme weather events. In Spain, such incidents have become more frequent in recent years, often resulting in significant damage and loss of life. The recent flood in Roda de Bera underscores the need for better preparedness and infrastructure to handle such natural disasters.
Communities in flood-prone areas are advised to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities. This includes avoiding low-lying areas during heavy rains, securing loose objects that could be swept away, and having an emergency plan in place. The tragic incident in Roda de Bera serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by flash floods and the importance of community resilience.
