Storm Adam Floods

Storm Adam, the first high-impact cut-off low (DANA) of Spain's 2026–27 season, struck eastern Spain over the weekend of October 17–18, 2026, dropping up to 600–700 mm of rain in 24 hours on parts of the Valencia and Alicante coast. Pego, in Alicante's Marina Alta district, recorded 632 mm in 36 hours. Flooding hit Valencia province, including Oliva in the La Safor district and Sagunto, and the Marina Alta, including Pego and Els Poblets, where the Girona River overflowed on October 19. Catalonia and the Balearic Islands were also affected.

As of October 20, at least four people had died: two in Oliva, one in Sagunto, and a woman swept away in Catalonia on October 17. More than 1,000 air and ground rescues were carried out on October 19, and the Guardia Civil reported 496 rescues and 2,141 evacuations, with more than 1,300 officers deployed. Lockdowns were imposed in 145 municipalities, and classes were suspended for more than 100,000 pupils in Valencia and about 160,000 in the Balearic Islands.

The Military Emergencies Unit (UME) was deployed to the Balearic Islands, the Valencian regional government announced an aid package, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the affected area on October 20, when shelters in Oliva and Xàbia remained open. World Central Kitchen is working with local restaurant partners to serve meals in Valencia and Alicante, and is delivering sandwiches, water and fresh fruit to residents, volunteers and first responders in Els Poblets.