Emergency services in Catalunya have confirmed that a body has been recovered from the River Bitlles during the search for two people missing in Sant Quintí de Mediona (Barcelona). The pair were travelling in a car that was swept away by fast-moving floodwaters after heavy rainfall hit the area.

The vehicle was later found in the river, but it was empty. This led to a large search effort involving Bombers de la Generalitat, divers, and other rescue teams. The discovery of the body is a key development, but authorities have not yet confirmed whether it belongs to one of the missing passengers or another person affected by the storms.

A Major Rescue Operation

The guard for Bombers de la Generalitat, explained that crews are carrying out “an important deployment” to try to locate the missing people. Search operations are focusing on the Bitlles River and nearby areas, which remain dangerous due to the strong currents.

The heavy rain has triggered widespread problems across Barcelona and surrounding regions. Firefighters have responded to more than 300 emergency calls, with most incidents concentrated in the northern and southern metropolitan areas. Crews have dealt with flooded homes, blocked roads, trapped vehicles, and fallen trees, stretching resources across the region.

Dangers of Rising Water Levels

Authorities have issued repeated warnings to the public, asking them not to approach rivers, streams, or flood-prone spots. Even shallow water can become extremely powerful after storms, and sudden rises in river levels pose a serious risk. They reminded people that “floodwaters can rise dramatically” flood surges can be severe and unpredictable.

Avui anant cap a Barcelona des de Manresa, per la c55. Tram totalment anegat des de Monistrol fins el telefèric. #meteocat #eltempstv3 #eltemps #pluja pic.twitter.com/8JVB4ZvYS3

— lo pu 🦉 (@dapuor) September 21, 2025

Continuing Efforts to Find the Missing

The search continues for the second missing person from the car in Sant Quintí de Mediona. Rescue teams are working in difficult conditions, with swollen rivers and unstable ground making access harder. Drones, boats, and divers are being used to cover as much ground as possible.

Officials say their immediate priorities are to confirm the identity of the victim already found and to continue searching until the second missing passenger is located. Local authorities also warn that the weather forecast could bring more rain, making the operation even more challenging in the days ahead.

En Barcelona llueve con fuerza este domingo. La @AEMET_Esp activa aviso naranja por tormentas y lluvias intensas en el litoral: hasta 40 mm en una hora, con granizo y rachas fuertes de viento. Precaución en desplazamientos. ⚠️#Barcelona #Lluvia #Tormenta #aemet pic.twitter.com/D8nlR9cxFW

— BCN LEGENDS (@bcnlegends) September 21, 2025