The Tortosa flood of October 1787: hydrometeorological extremism, catastrophe and emergency management in the Spanish Mediterranean basin during the 18th century

Abstract

On 8-9 October 1787, Tortosa suffered the worst flooding known to date in the area. It resulted from the great flow of the Ebro River and the very heavy storm that hit its final section and mouth. The disaster was terrible and the city and its surroundings were submerged under water for days. This article studies the circumstances that caused this extreme event, its consequences, the management of the catastrophe by the different political-administrative officials and the reaction of the State.