UAE Embassy issues advisory as Spain issues red alert for rain

Dubai: The UAE Embassy in Madrid has issued a safety advisory urging Emirati citizens in Spain to exercise extreme caution after Spanish authorities declared a red alert for torrential rains in Catalonia.

On Saturday, Spain’s national weather agency AEMET placed much of the northeastern region, including Barcelona and Tarragona, on the highest-level weather alert. The forecast warned of up to 90mm of rainfall per hour, raising fears of flash floods and triggering widespread transport disruptions.

In an official statement, the UAE mission in Madrid stressed the importance of adhering to safety instructions issued by local authorities. Citizens were urged to stay informed, avoid high-risk areas, and register with the Tawajudi service.

For emergencies, Emiratis in Spain can contact the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 0097180044444 or 0097180024.

The torrential downpour led Spain’s national railway operator to briefly suspend train services across Catalonia. Roads were blocked, a hospital in Barcelona flooded, and a US-bound flight was forced to return after hail damaged the aircraft mid-air.

Beyond Catalonia, an orange alert was issued for parts of Aragon and the Valencia region due to the risk of heavy rain.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to escalate safety measures if conditions worsen.

The red alert follows a history of deadly floods in Spain, including one of the worst in decades last October when 225 people died in Valencia due to torrential rain.