A violent storm struck Tarragona, flooding streets and causing over 100 pigeons to die at the port. Emergency services responded to hundreds of incidents. Weather alerts remain active across Catalonia.
More than one hundred pigeons were found dead at the Port de Tarragona after a powerful storm hit the southwest of Catalonia on Monday afternoon. The city of Tarragona faced intense rainfall and hail, leading to significant flooding on major avenues and widespread disruption. Videos shared by Protección Civil and on social media captured the scale of the downpour and its immediate impact on urban life.
Emergency services were quickly overwhelmed. By 19:00, the 112 emergency line had logged 373 calls related to the severe weather, with most reports coming from Tarragona and surrounding areas. The main issues included fallen trees, minor flooding, and damaged power lines caused by strong winds and hail. Between 18:30 and 19:30, Bombers de la Generalitat responded to 162 incidents, 141 of which were in the province of Tarragona and 105 within the city itself.
The storm's effects were not limited to animal fatalities and property damage. Many streets became impassable, and authorities warned of ongoing risks as the weather system moved eastward. Ten autonomous communities had active weather alerts on Monday, with Catalonia, Aragón, and the Balearic Islands under orange warnings due to the risk of further heavy rain and storms. In Catalonia, the orange alert was issued from midday and was expected to remain in place until the end of the day, as the storm front shifted toward the Baix Camp region.
This episode follows a series of extreme weather events in the region. Earlier this year, severe overnight storms in Tarragona led to injuries, evacuations, and major transport disruptions, as detailed in a previous report on critical flooding and emergency responses. The recurrence of such incidents highlights the vulnerability of Catalonia’s coastal areas to sudden and intense weather changes.
For context, Catalonia’s emergency protocols are regularly updated to address the increasing frequency of severe storms. Local authorities urge residents to stay informed through official channels and to avoid unnecessary travel during active weather alerts. The Port de Tarragona, a key infrastructure hub, has faced repeated challenges from extreme weather, prompting ongoing reviews of safety measures for both people and wildlife. The recent deaths of pigeons serve as a stark reminder of the broader environmental impact these storms can have, beyond immediate human concerns.
