More than a month’s worth of rain fell in just one day in some parts of Spain on Tuesday, triggering flash floods to sweep through the country’s southeastern region. At least 62 people have been killed in the floods so far, while roads have been closed and train services cancelled.
Understandably, those with a trip booked to the region might be concerned about whether it’s safe to travel right now. Here’s what we know so far.
Where are the floods in Spain?
The floods have largely impacted southeastern Spain, including the popular holiday hotspot of Costa del Sol. The area surrounding Valencia has seen catastrophic damage, with president of the region Carlos Mazón stating at a press conference on Wednesday morning that it’s ‘impossible to offer a precise figure’ of the number of people killed.
Towns near Malaga have also been severely affected, with residents stranded and homes damaged.
This map shows the area worst affected by the floods.
Is it safe to travel?
Flights in and out of Valencia were diverted or cancelled yesterday, though there is no news of further cancellations today. If you’re in the region, you should follow advice from local authorities to stay inside until the rain ceases.
The UK government has not officially advised against travelling to Spain, though it has added a warning to its travel advice page:
‘Severe weather and flooding is affecting many areas of Southern and Eastern Spain, particularly the Valencia region and Castilla La Mancha. Journeys may be affected. Check the latest weather warnings from Spain’s meteorological office before you travel and follow instructions from local authorities.’
What are my rights as a traveller?
As there has been no official advice issued to avoid travel to the region, you may not be able to cancel your trip without penalty. However, if your flight was cancelled, your travel insurer or trip provider should offer reimbursement.
Extreme weather in Europe
The floods in Spain come just over a month after Storm Boris caused deadly floods in Central Europe. Europe has seen several extreme weather events this year, including wildfires and extreme heatwaves, which have been caused or exacerbated by climate change.
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