> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Flood and Fire Alerts Surge in Catalonia - URL: https://barna.news/flood-and-fire-alerts-surge-in-catalonia/ - Published: 2026-10-21T07:19:07.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-21T07:19:07.000Z - Description: Over 120 emergency alerts sent in 2026 as extreme weather drives record use of Es-Alert system. - Author: Barna.News - Tags: environment ## Record Number of Es-Alert Messages in 2026 As of 17th October 2026, Protecció Civil has issued 124 Es-Alert messages to the public in Catalonia, nearly doubling the total number sent across all of 2025\. The surge is driven by a combination of severe forest fires and repeated flooding, particularly during July and October. According to data from La Vanguardia and Protecció Civil, 78 alerts were linked to the INFOCAT forest fire plan and 38 to the INUNCAT flood response plan, with the remainder concerning high wind warnings. The Es-Alert system, activated in late 2022, has now sent 265 emergency messages in almost four years. While this averages to one alert per week, distribution is highly uneven: just four messages were sent between 1st March and 30th June 2026, whereas a record seven were issued on 4th October alone, followed by five more the next day, during a storm with tropical characteristics. --- ## October Storms and Rising Fatalities The year 2026 has proven especially deadly. Ten people have died due to storm-related incidents since January, six of them in October. This accounts for 30% of all storm fatalities recorded since 2015, according to Protecció Civil. The most recent tragedies include a death in Granollers linked to flooding after intense rainfall. On Monday 19th October, persistent rains moved from south to north, prompting orange-level alerts in coastal and pre-coastal regions. Though no areas reached red alert status, authorities warned against travel and urged residents to avoid low-lying zones. The storm system has since moved into French territory, and a temporary weather respite is expected, with only light precipitation forecast in the northeast. > The rains of recent days are nothing extraordinary, but it is essential to remember safety protocols. Sergio Delgado, deputy director of Prevention at Protecció Civil, stressed that while current conditions are within seasonal norms, public vigilance remains critical. Santi Sagalà, head of predictions at the Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya, noted that warmer sea temperatures are feeding atmospheric moisture, increasing storm intensity. ### Training and Preparedness In response to recurring floods, Protecció Civil is running a second edition of a training course for around 30 mayors between October and November. The programme focuses on municipal emergency plans (DUPROCIM), local coordination centres (CECOPAL), and integration with the CECAT and INUNCAT systems. Residents are encouraged to consult the [civil protection risk map](https://interior.gencat.cat/es/arees%5Fdactuacio/proteccio%5Fcivil/consells%5Fautoproteccio%5Femergencia/preparat%5Fper%5Fles%5Femergencies/?ref=barna.news) and check whether their municipality has a local emergency plan (PAM). The agency reminds the public that self-protection during emergencies typically means staying indoors unless authorities advise evacuation. Specific guidance is available for risks including forest fires, flooding, extreme heat, and industrial accidents. --- *Primary sources:* [*interior.gencat.cat*](https://interior.gencat.cat/es/arees%5Fdactuacio/proteccio%5Fcivil/plans-proteccio-civil/plans-especials/infocat/?ref=barna.news)*. Reported by lavanguardia.com, particle.news, rtve.es, 3cat.cat, La Vanguardia Barcelona.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Castelldefels on Flood Alert Monday and Tuesday](https://barna.news/castelldefels-on-flood-alert-monday-and/) - [Barcelona Under Rain Alert: 40 Litres in 30 Minutes Expected](https://barna.news/barcelona-under-rain-alert-40-litres-in/) - [Flood risk rises on Barcelona’s northern coast](https://barna.news/flood-risk-rises-on-barcelonas-northern/)