Saint Stephen's Day marked by the storm: Civil Protection asks people to avoid travel
If you need to move, it is recommended to carry a small emergency kit with you.
BarcelonaHeavy rains continue to affect this year's festivities. For this reason, Civil Protection has asked people to avoid road travel and indicated that if travel is necessary, they should carry a small emergency kit. This was explained by Montse Font, head of the Emergency Management Service, who also warned that the persistent rainfall could cause increased river flows, especially in the Girona area, in rivers such as the Ter, the Fluvià, and the Muga, and their tributaries. Regarding the waves, she advised against approaching the coast, particularly in the north of the country, where waves could reach an average height of 4.5 meters. The Allucat plan alert has also been activated, with special attention to the Central Pyrenees and the Vall d'Aran. Among other impacts, this morning the rising waters of the Manol River forced the evacuation of residents from a home for people with intellectual disabilities. Specifically, the Catalan Fire Service evacuated Les Acàcies, located in Far d'Empordà (Alt Empordà). The alert was received at 7:53 a.m., and a total of 16 people were evacuated: six were taken by staff from the residence itself, and 10 were evacuated by the activated fire crews. The residence is located in a flood-prone area near the Manol River, which this Sant Esteve (St. Stephen's Day) has risen to 67.7 meters.3/s, thus exceeding the danger threshold.
Meanwhile, approximately 150 passengers on a commuter train (R11 line) were evacuated after a tree fell on the overhead power lines in Fornells de la Selva (Girona). The incident was reported at 7:40 a.m., and the passengers were transferred to another train. The Catalan Fire Service (Bombers de la Generalitat) deployed four ground crews, while the Medical Emergency System (SEM) sent five ambulances to the scene. No injuries have been reported.
Two roads closed
In addition, nine Catalan roads are affected by the storm this Friday, mainly due to snow on the road. Among them, two roads are closed: the BV-4024 between Guardiola de Berguedà and Bagà, due to wind, and the GIP-5129 between Vilafant and Borrassà, due to flooding. According to data from the Catalan Traffic Service, snow chains are required on five roads: the BV-4031 between Castellar de n'Hug and Toses, the C-28 between Naut Aran and Alt Àneu, the C-462 between La Coma i la Piedra and Josa i Tuixén, the C-564 between Joa i Tuixén, and the C-563 in Tosas. A dozen fires have also broken out.
Meanwhile, firefighters responded to about ten fires – mostly chimney fires – on Christmas afternoon and Boxing Day morning. The fires occurred in Catalonia in towns such as Torelló (Osona), Saneja (Cerdanya), Sant Pau de Segúries (Ripollès), Cardedeu (Vallès Oriental), Sant Pere de Ribes (Garraf), La Secuita (Tarragonès), Cànoves and Samalús (Vall), and Roquetas (Baix Ebre). The call about the latter fire came in at 11:31 p.m. and affected the dining room of a house on Camí Parellades. Emergency medical services (SEM) treated and transported a man, in less serious condition, to the Tortosa Hospital. The rest of the family, a woman and two children, were released. in situ.
More firefighters
To address potential incidents, the Catalan Fire Service (Bombers de la Generalitat) reinforced its deployment along the eastern coast this Friday, particularly in the Girona Emergency Region, with additional personnel, the opening of volunteer fire stations, and increased staffing at fire stations and command posts across various units. They also reinforced the GRAE unit, which activated several pairs of firefighters from both the mountain and underwater units, who will be conducting reconnaissance patrols throughout the day. Catalonia is currently experiencing a storm that has been affecting the region for 36 hours, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas along the coast. This weather pattern is expected to continue for the next 48 hours, with associated risks of rising river levels, potential avalanches, overflowing streams, and heavy surf.
