Valencia floods: At least 51 people dead after dangerous flash flooding in Spain - travel advice UK

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At least 51 people have died after dangerous flash flooding in Spanish towns and villages.

Emergency teams in south-east Spain are working to locate dozens of missing people after torrential downpours fit the region in recent days. Heavy rain and hailstorms have battered parts of the country, with footage posted to social media showing villages almost entirely underwater and debris flowing through streets.

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The worst hit areas include popular destinations such as Valencia and Malaga. Ricardo Gabaldon, the mayor of Utiel, a town in Valencia, told Spanish national broadcaster RTVE: “Yesterday was the worst day of my life. We were trapped like rats. Cars and trash containers were flowing down the streets. The water was rising to three metres.”

At least 51 people have died amid flash flooding in south and eastern Spain.At least 51 people have died amid flash flooding in south and eastern Spain.
At least 51 people have died amid flash flooding in south and eastern Spain. | AFP via Getty Images

Residents have been urged to stay at home by Valencian regional president Carlos Mazon as to not complicate rescue efforts for the emergency teams. Rainstorms on Tuesday (October 29) saw flash flooding and dangerous conditions in Malaga also.

A high-speed train carrying nearly 300 people derailed near the city due to the weather. Authorities later confirmed that no nobody was hurt in the incident, but other high-speed train services, such as between Valencia and Madrid, were cancelled, as were local commuter trains.

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Travel advice from UK to Spain amid fatal flash flooding

There has been no official travel warning from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, but there are warnings to check the advice from local authorities you are planning to travel to.

It may also be a good idea to check the status of flights due to affected airports being severely impacted by the poor weather. Valencia Airport was forced to temporarily close during the height of the storm, with some services still impacted by delays and cancellations.

Delays and some cancellations are still being felt at Malaga Airport after disruption overnight. Check with your airline the status of your flight.

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