Vendors Call for Action After Storm Damage
On Wednesday 30 September 2026, vendors at the Bellvitge Merca-2 market in L'Hospitalet gathered to protest ongoing structural damage following heavy rainfall the previous day. The downpours, which began around 10:30 and intensified by 11:00 on Tuesday, brought approximately 73 mm of rain to the area, according to meteorological estimates from Meteocat. The market, located near Rambla Marina and Carretera del Mig, suffered significant water ingress. At one fruit stall, part of the ceiling collapsed after staff had left. Another section fell at the on-site cafeteria, where a worker was injured and taken to hospital. Emergency services, including the 112 line operated by Mossos d'Esquadra and Bombers, received 175 alerts from L'Hospitalet, the third-highest municipal total during the storm.
Longstanding Issues Ignored, Say Traders
Vendors say flooding and leaks have plagued Merca-2 for years. Jaume Llagostera, a concessionaire at the market, criticised past interventions as inadequate: "We know the rains have been exceptional, but if it had been fixed properly, this wouldn't have happened. It looked like Niagara Falls." He warned of further protests if permanent solutions are not implemented. Sandra Salas, president of the Merca-2 board and an egg vendor, stressed the seriousness of personal injuries occurring alongside property damage. Isabel Vilches, who runs Tocineria Los Rayos, reported recurring electrical issues and prior damage to refrigeration compressors, with repair costs and lost income falling solely on traders.
Council Responds with Emergency Measures
Municipal technicians attended the market on the morning of 30 September to assess damage and plan repairs. The affected fruit stall has been offered temporary relocation to another city-owned space. However, the bar requires more complex structural work. The Ajuntament de L'Hospitalet confirmed that roof repairs were carried out last year and are now reviewing their effectiveness. Officials stated their priority is restoring normal operations and supporting impacted businesses. Elsewhere in the city, disruptions affected La Marina school playground, Konkal wholesale store on Carretera del Mig (closed through Thursday), and underpasses including Avinguda Carrilet, where a tanker truck removed standing water.
We are clear that when there are heavy downpours, incidents can occur. But in L'Hospitalet, it's raining on wet ground. It's raining on facilities that are not well maintained.
This statement came from ERC+EUiA spokesperson Jaume Graells, whose group held a press conference demanding better maintenance of public infrastructure, citing flooded sports centres in Les Planes and Santa Eulàlia, some with sewage contamination. Residents seeking assistance or reporting damage can contact emergency services via 112 or visit participa311-lhospitalet.diba.cat for non-urgent municipal reports.
Primary sources: Ajuntament de L'Hospitalet, participa311-lhospitalet.diba.cat, l-h.cat. Reported by lhdigital.cat, LHDigital (L'Hospitalet).
