Severe storm batters eastern Spain; shopping centre roof collapses in Tarragona
Flooding and a partial roof collapse were reported in Tarragona as emergency services handled over 1,000 calls.
A severe storm struck eastern Spain on 25 August 2026, hitting coastal towns and prompting a large emergency response as heavy rain and coastal surges caused structural damage and flooding.
The hardest-hit area was Tarragona, where part of the roof of a shopping centre collapsed during the downpour. Local footage shared on social platforms recorded the moment debris and fast-moving water swept through streets near the coast.
Video circulated online showed water carrying a man while another person ran after him in an attempt to help. Eyewitness clips and bystander uploads spread quickly across social networks.
In nearby Roda de Berà authorities reported that a sea wall gave way and one woman was injured in the incident; two additional people suffered minor injuries. According to reports, one person was taken to hospital and is fighting for their life.
Firefighters and other emergency services received more than 1,000 calls in a short span from alarmed residents asking for help with flooded basements and fallen trees.
Short-term impact and response
Teams from municipal and regional services worked through the evening to clear roads and assist affected households while authorities monitored the situation along the coast as the storm moved through the region.
“This happened in Tarragona after yesterday's heavy rains pic.twitter.com/jl30Pceuma”
Photo: press material from the event
