DANA Adam triggers confinement order across Alicante and Valencia after torrential rain

Emergency services have mobilised helicopters and rescue teams after exceptional rainfall caused severe flooding across the northern Alicante coast and southern Valencia

Residents across 145 municipalities in Alicante and Valencia have been ordered to stay at home as DANA Adam brings severe flooding. The Generalitat Valenciana issued the confinement order on Monday morning October 19, covering the northern Alicante coast and southern Valencia coast, where relentless rain has caused rivers and ravines to overflow, roads to disappear under water and people to become trapped in their homes.

Some areas have recorded more than 700 litres of rain per square metre in just 48 hours, leaving emergency services struggling to reach everyone who needs help.

Pego, Els Poblets, Oliva, Piles and Miramar are among the municipalities affected. Juan Carlos Valderrama, the regional minister for Emergencies and the Interior, warned that many people remained trapped, with flooded roads preventing emergency vehicles from getting through.

Residents have been told not to travel through the affected areas and must remain indoors until the order is lifted.

🚨 El @GVAdogv publica l’Orde 11/2026 de confinament i restricció de la mobilitat en els municipis inclosos en les zones del litoral sud de València i del litoral nord d'Alacant. âž¡ï¸�Afecta a 145 localitats de València i Alacant. 🔗https://t.co/UvfAJ99q5B https://t.co/3U7HYZ7tNu

— Emergències 112CV (@GVA112) October 19, 2026

Rainfall totals reach more than 700 litres per square metre

Alicante's Marina Alta and Valencia's La Safor have been among the worst-hit areas. According to the Valencian weather association Avamet, Forna recorded 720 litres per square metre over 48 hours, while Pego received 693 litres. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has described the conditions in La Safor as extraordinary, with 1987 cited as the last comparable event in the area.

The flooding has been especially frightening for residents caught in their homes during the night. In Oliva, some people woke to find water coming through their windows, despite having put barriers in place to protect their properties. Residents had prepared for the forecast rain but nothing could have protected them from the volume that eventually fell.

¡Qué barbaridad! Más de 700 l/m² en las ultimas 24 h en diversos municipios de la Marina Alta y La Safor. Esta madrugada (19/10/2026), instantes antes amanecer, dantesca situación en #ElsPoblets (#Alicante) tras el desbordamiento del #RíoGirona. Vídeo: Elena Gómez, vía @avamet. https://t.co/L28zOqmKvX

— MeteOrihuela (@MeteOrihuela) October 19, 2026

Helicopters and rescue teams deployed as flooding continues

Hundreds of rescues have been reported across the worst-hit areas, with helicopters, boats and military vehicles being used to reach people stranded by the rising water.

The Guardia Civil, Policía Nacional, military emergency units and regional rescue teams are all involved in the response. Around 15 helicopters have been mobilised to help reach those trapped in flooded homes and other buildings.

DANA Adam has also claimed two lives elsewhere in Spain, with deaths reported in Catalonia and Sagunto.

The message from the authorities is clear: Follow emergency alerts, stay indoors while the confinement order remains in force and never attempt to drive or walk through floodwater.

With rescue operations continuing, emergency teams need roads kept clear and people out of danger as they work to reach those still stranded.

El @regiondemurcia a través de la @ConsejPresidRM despliega medios aéreos (helicóptero y bomberos CEIS) de @112rmurcia en ayuda de nuestros vecions de @AjuntamentOliva de la @generalitat, donde, a estás horas, la situación es preocupante. Su misión, rescate de personas en altura. https://t.co/FlPOphViBt

— Seguridad Ciudadana y Emergencias Región de Murcia (@dgsce_RM) October 19, 2026

Image: Emergències 112CV