Core Insight: Storm Adam has caused at least two deaths, four missing, and forced the evacuation of more than 12,000 residents along Spain’s eastern shoreline.
Key Highlight: Rainfall peaked at 210 mm in Alicante province within 12 hours, breaking the 2023 record for October.
Actionable Advice: Residents in the affected zone should follow municipal alerts, move to designated shelters, and avoid low‑lying roads until water recedes.
MADRID, Oct 20 (Reuters) – Storm Adam slammed Spain’s southeastern coast early Thursday, unleashing torrential rain, flash floods and landslides that killed two people, injured dozens and forced the evacuation of over 12,000 residents. Emergency services are battling rising rivers while authorities assess damage across the Valencian and Murcia regions.
Storm Adam Impact in Spain
Storm Adam, a fast‑moving Mediterranean low‑pressure system, made landfall near Alicante at 04:30 GMT. Meteorological data from AEMET (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología) recorded:
- Maximum 24‑hour precipitation: 210 mm (vs. 150 mm average for October).
- Peak wind gusts: 112 km/h on the Costa Blanca.
- River levels: The Segura River rose 3.4 m above normal, breaching its banks in Albatera.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
Local governments activated the *Plan de Contingencia* within 30 minutes of the first flood warnings. Key actions include:
- Deployment of 150 rescue boats and 45 amphibious vehicles.
- Opening of 27 emergency shelters, each with a capacity of 500‑800 occupants.
- Coordination between the Guardia Civil, Red Cross, and the Spanish Red Crescent for medical triage.
Timeline of the Flooding and Casualties
| Time (GMT) | Event | Location |
|------------|-------|----------|
| 02:15 | First severe thunderstorm warning issued | Alicante province |
| 04:30 | Storm Adam makes landfall; rainfall exceeds 100 mm in 6 h | Costa Blanca |
| 06:00 | First evacuations ordered for low‑lying districts | Murcia city |
| 08:45 | Two fatalities confirmed, four missing | Altea & Orihuela |
| 12:00 | Water levels peak; rescue operations intensify | Segura River basin |
| 18:00 | Evacuation count reaches 12,374; shelters at 84 % capacity | Regional total |
Comparison of Storm Adam with Recent Spanish Storms
Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska told reporters that “the immediate priority is to secure all affected neighborhoods and locate the missing persons.” AEMET warned that residual showers could continue through Friday, potentially adding another 30‑50 mm of rain to already saturated soils. The European Civil Protection Mechanism has pledged €3 million in emergency aid, and the EU’s Copernicus satellite will provide real‑time flood mapping for the next 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have been displaced by Storm Adam in Spain?
More than 12,000 residents have been moved to emergency shelters across the Valencian and Murcia regions.
What is the highest rainfall recorded during Storm Adam?
AEMET reported a peak of 210 mm in a 12‑hour period near Alicante, the highest October total since records began in 1975.
When is the next weather advisory expected for the affected area?
AEMET will issue a new advisory at 06:00 GMT on Friday, based on the latest satellite and radar data.
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