Evacuation in Eastern Spain

A forest fire near the inland village of Gatova, northwest of Valencia, erupted on the evening of August 21, 2026, and by Saturday forced the evacuation of around 1,000 people. The blaze, which covered more than 400 hectares by Friday evening, was believed to have been ignited by a lightning strike late Thursday. Local authorities, including Valencia’s civil protection minister Juan Carlos Valderrama, mobilised buses to transport residents who did not have their own vehicles.

Firefighting Efforts

Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME) posted footage on X of its firefighters working in the dark to douse the flames. Several firefighting helicopters and aircraft were also deployed to the scene. TV footage showed the fire moving close to built-up areas, raising concerns about potential damage to homes and infrastructure. The UME’s rapid response and aerial support were credited with preventing the blaze from spreading further into populated zones.

Flood Threats on the Costa Dorada

Just 150 km (93 miles) away on Spain’s Costa Dorada, heavy overnight rain triggered flash floods that trapped people in cars, toppled walls, and forced the evacuation of a campsite. Roads in the coastal towns of El Vendrell, Coma-ruga and Torredembarra were partially submerged. The Meteorological Service of Catalonia reported that several towns recorded nearly 200 litres per square metre in just a few hours. Local media reported that around 300 people staying at the campsite were evacuated, many sheltering at a nearby sports centre.

Rescue Operations and Injuries

A regional emergency official said firefighters had carried out more than 200 missions to rescue people from vehicles and flooded buildings. Three people were injured when a wall collapsed at the port of Roda de Bera, about 75 km (45 miles) southwest of Barcelona, and another wall collapse at a nearby campsite injured two others. In total, at least seven people were reported injured in the flood-affected areas.

Ongoing Weather Outlook

The Meteorological Service of Catalonia warned of more heavy rainfall for the coastal region on Saturday morning, urging residents to remain vigilant. While the forest fire was contained, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the Mediterranean region faces record high temperatures and ongoing extreme weather events.