At least five killed and thousands evacuated as Storm Adam batters eastern Spain

Key Points:

• Storm Adam, part of the DANA weather system, caused severe flooding and at least five deaths in eastern Spain, particularly impacting the Valencia region where over 2,100 people were evacuated and nearly 500 rescued by the Civil Guard.
• Valencia's town of Oliva experienced exceptional rainfall of 600 litres per square metre in 24 hours, leading to extensive flooding and forcing residents to seek refuge on upper floors and rooftops.
• Emergency services deployed more than 1,300 Civil Guard officers with helicopters, boats, and specialized rescue units, while stay-at-home orders and lockdowns in 145 municipalities were gradually lifted as the storm eased.
• The storm also affected the Balearic Islands and Catalonia, causing flooding, road closures, and transport disruptions, with schools suspended for over 260,000 students across these regions.
• Authorities used the ES-Alert mobile system to issue timely warnings, advising residents to avoid travel, stay away from flood-prone areas, and seek higher ground to mitigate risks during the storm.