A torrential downpour flooded the Puerta del Sol encampment in Madrid on October 6, forcing protesters to scramble to protect their belongings as water swept across the square and through tents and tarps. The storm also disrupted metro service across the city.
By late afternoon, the rain had intensified. Protesters worked in teams, using buckets, bottles and rakes to move water off tarps and away from tents. They kept at it as the storm threatened the camp’s fragile order.
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued a yellow weather warning for the entire Madrid region over the risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms on October 6. The most intense precipitation was expected from 16:00 onward. AEMET forecast up to 15 mm of rain per hour, a 40-70% probability of thunderstorms and possible hail; the warning was in effect from 16:00 to 23:59.
Flooding spread beyond the camp, and water in the tunnels disrupted metro service. Metro de Madrid reported that Line 5 stopped between Pirámides and Urgel at 16:15, Line 4 shut down between Goya and Lista after 16:30, and Line 7 closed between García Noblejas and Cartagena. Delays exceeded 15 minutes. City officials urged people to take care. For protesters in the camp, the immediate priority was keeping water out and protecting their belongings.
Protesters watched for leaks and weak spots, clearing puddles before water could break through. Each break in the rain brought a burst of work: people patched barriers and tried to dry their soaked gear, knowing another wave of rain could arrive at any time.
Madrid is accustomed to autumn storms, but this one hit the Puerta del Sol encampment hard. The camp’s struggle echoed the difficulties faced by others in Spain, including people discussed in our earlier report.
When the rain eased, the camp was still standing, thanks to protesters’ steady work together. The storm exposed how vulnerable they were, but they stayed put.
