Storm Adam, the first high-impact cut-off low (DANA) of Spain's 2026–27 season, has left at least four people dead and thousands evacuated across the country's eastern coast. The Storm Adam floods began on October 17, as the system dropped 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, and Catalonia and the Balearic Islands were also hit.
As of October 20, the dead include two people in Oliva, one in Sagunto, and a woman swept away in Catalonia on October 17. Rescue crews carried out more than 1,000 air and ground rescues on October 19 alone, and the Guardia Civil has reported 496 rescues and 2,141 evacuations, with more than 1,300 officers deployed. In Els Poblets, the Girona River overflowed on October 19.
The storm disrupted daily life across the region. 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 Balearics, the Valencian regional government announced an aid package, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the affected area on October 20. Shelters in Oliva and Xàbia remained open that day.
World Central Kitchen is working with local restaurant partners to serve meals in Valencia and Alicante, and its teams are delivering sandwiches, water and fresh fruit to residents, volunteers and first responders in Els Poblets.
To support families affected by the flooding, visit the Storm Adam floods disaster page for donation links, or explore Disaster Relief Organizations to find other ways to help.
