Storm Adam Kills Five and Floods Eastern Spain

Severe flooding from Storm Adam has killed at least five people and forced thousands from their homes across eastern Spain, with Valencia suffering exceptional rainfall and widespread inundation. Emergency services have conducted hundreds of rescues as authorities maintain weather warnings in several regions, according to Euronews on October 20, 2026. The Spanish Civil Guard evacuated more than 2,100 people and rescued nearly 500 in the Valencia region, according to its latest update cited by Euronews.

More than 1,300 Civil Guard officers have been deployed alongside helicopters, boats, and specialized water and mountain rescue teams. Oliva, in Valencia province, was among the hardest-hit communities, receiving 600 liters of rain per square meter within 24 hours. Floodwater covered streets, forcing some residents to shelter on upper floors or climb onto rooftops while awaiting emergency assistance.

The State Meteorological Agency, known as Aemet, recorded 713 liters per square meter in L'Atzúvia, Alicante province, during the storm. Nearby Pego received 632 liters over 36 hours, including 430 liters in just six hours.

Aemet characterized the rainfall in the Valencian counties of La Safor and Marina Alta as exceptional. According to Spanish public broadcaster RTVE, the episode ranks among Spain's most intense rainfall events, behind Oliva's 817 liters per square meter in 24 hours in 1987 and the 772 liters recorded in Turís during the 2024 DANA. The Girona and Vernisa rivers and the Beniopa ravine overflowed, flooding multiple municipalities. On October 19, the Valencian regional government imposed temporary movement restrictions across 145 municipalities in Valencia and Alicante, advising residents to avoid travel and seek shelter on higher floors as flood risks increased.

The restrictions were gradually lifted as rainfall weakened in Valencia. However, Aemet maintained warnings across nine provinces on October 20, particularly for expected heavy rain in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez scheduled a visit to Valencia for approximately 12:30 on October 20 to assess the damage and address the media afterward. The flooding also disrupted roads and transportation and prompted school closures affecting more than 100,000 students.

The Balearic Islands experienced significant flooding, particularly in Ibiza and Formentera. Authorities recorded more than 130 incidents in Ibiza, including fallen trees and access problems near the airport, where standing water forced some operations to be suspended. Formentera recorded up to 203 liters per square meter within 24 hours.

Spain's Military Emergency Unit, known as the UME, was deployed to assist with emergency operations and remove accumulated water. School closures across Mallorca, Ibiza, and Formentera affected approximately 160,000 students. Heavy rainfall also shifted toward Barcelona, Girona, and Tarragona in Catalonia on October 19.

A US Embassy security alert issued that day identified flooding and movement restrictions across Valencia, Catalonia, Murcia, the Balearic Islands, and parts of Andalusia, urging people to avoid flood zones and unnecessary driving.

The Valencian regional government used Spain's ES-Alert mobile warning system to notify residents in threatened areas before and during the storm's most intense phase. Messages advised people to avoid travel, stay away from rivers and ravines, and move to higher ground or upper floors as flooding risks escalated.