In 1787, deadly flash floods struck the Spanish regions, particularly in Tortosa, Catalonia, highlighting the extreme rainfall events characteristic of the Mediterranean climate. These floods caused significant destruction and loss of life, drawing attention to the vulnerabilities of communities to natural disasters. The events of 1787 served as a reminder of the need for effective disaster management and infrastructure resilience in the face of climate variability.

The flash floods in Spanish regions in 1787 have been immortalized in regional literature as tales of sudden loss and resilience. Poets like José de Espronceda used these catastrophic events to explore themes of nature's power and human vulnerability, reflecting on the transient nature of life and the environment.