Floodwater trapped people as the Girona and Vernisa overflowed during Storm Adam. Els Poblets urged residents to stay off flooded routes while crews cleared debris from a bridge.
At 07.00, Juan Carlos Valderrama told an emergency meeting that floodwater had trapped people. The Girona and Vernisa had both overflowed. The conseller de Emergencias e Interior warned that other ravines could burst their banks.
The Girona overflowed in Els Poblets at about 06.21 on Monday, 19 October, after intense rain linked to Storm Adam. Telecinco reported that up to around 700 litres of rain fell per square metre in the Marina Alta over 48 hours.
In Els Poblets, the river flooded areas near its banks and caused material damage. The town council urged residents to avoid unnecessary journeys and stay clear of the river and flooded areas. It warned people not to cross inundated streets or paths, on foot or by vehicle. Residents in affected areas were advised to move to upper floors and follow emergency services’ instructions. AEMET’s red warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms remained in force until 10.00 on Monday.
Crews were clearing vegetation from the bridge openings to help water pass. Cars were seen piled together in the streets. Water and mud surrounded homes, and shopfronts were damaged.
Flooding also hit nearby El Verger and Beniarbeig.
At least one road linking Beniarbeig with Sanet i els Negrals was closed.
The council reported the overflow early on Monday through social media. A day earlier, the Generalitat Valenciana’s Emergency Coordination Centre had activated a yellow hydrological pre-alert for the Pego–Girona–Gorgos area. It urged municipalities to monitor riverbeds and other hazardous locations. The Generalitat also sent an Es-Alert warning of intense, persistent rain and flooding caused by overflowing rivers and accumulated water. The storm has affected drivers elsewhere too. Earlier coverage reported cars being moved to higher ground in Catarroja.
Juanfran Pérez Llorca said he had contacted Els Poblets mayor José Luis Mas to ask about conditions in the municipality. In nearby El Verger, the town council opened the Casa de la Cultura and the town hall as reception and support points for affected residents.
