Emergency Declared for Storm Recovery
Barcelona is in a state of emergency due to the impact of torrential rains that struck the city in early October 2026. Mayor Jaume Collboni has signed a decree activating extraordinary measures to repair damage to public spaces, infrastructure and municipal facilities. The decree was published on Wednesday 7 October in the Gàzeta Municipal, the official bulletin of the Barcelona city council. The declaration enables the city to fast-track contracts for cleaning, repairs and essential services, similar to procedures used during the COVID-19 pandemic. These urgent contracts require a technical report, but if immediate action prevents its prior submission, the report must be added to the file as soon as possible with justification.
Record Rainfall and Ongoing Response
According to Barcelona’s Civil Protection, Saturday 3 October was the wettest day in the city’s recorded history, with a maximum rainfall of 206 litres per square metre and an average of 152.3 litres across the city. The stormwater tanks reached full capacity, and the Municipal Emergency Action Plan for Flood Risk was activated before being downgraded to alert level. The Basic Municipal Action Plan remains in place to oversee the full restoration of services. The Fire Service responded to 145 emergency calls linked to the weather, and the Social Emergency and Urgent Care Centre (CUESB) was activated. A temporary shelter has opened on Carrer Dos de Maig for people experiencing homelessness.
Clean-Up Efforts to Double in Affected Areas
Deputy Mayor Laia Bonet confirmed in a betevé interview on Tuesday that cleaning crews will be doubled, particularly in mountain-adjacent neighbourhoods that suffered the most damage. Public parks, libraries, municipal markets, Tibidabo Amusement Park, Barcelona Zoo and Park Güell were temporarily closed ahead of the storm. Residents near the Besòs river are still advised to avoid basements, move to upper floors if flooding occurs, and stay away from the riverbank. The city warns continued caution is necessary as the river gradually returns to normal flow.
Any action that proves indispensable for protecting people's safety, public health or essential services will be activated.
Mayor Collboni stated the emergency measures will cover any action deemed essential for public safety, health or the continuity of services directly affected by the storms.
Primary sources: barcelona.cat, Ajuntament de Barcelona. Reported by totbarcelona.cat, beteve.cat, w123.bcn.cat, Tot Barcelona.
