Travel advice for Spain updated as floods kill Briton

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Spain after the country was rocked by some of the worst flooding in decades.

A british man among at least 95 people killed in eastern country following explosion floods these last few days.

According to local emergency services, the unnamed 71-year-old man died in hospital after being rescued from his home on the outskirts of Malaga.

This week, parts of Spain were devastated, including many famous tourist spots like Malaga and Valencia, when torrential rain triggered unexpected flooding.

More people are reported missing as responders continue to scour the scene for people potentially trapped in their homes.

The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchezexpressed support to people across the country and pledged to offer all resources to help those affected.

He said: “For those searching for their loved ones, all of Spain feels your pain.

“Our priority is to help you. We are putting all the resources necessary so that we can recover from this tragedy.

Train tracks affected by flooding in Paiporta, near Valencia, Spain

Alberto Saiz / AP

If you’re planning to travel to Spain this week, here’s what you need to know.

What is happening in Spain?

On Tuesday, more than a year’s worth of rain fell on the outskirts of Valencia, in just eight hours.

This led to pileups on highways, flooding of farmland and bridges washed away by fast-flowing rivers that had overflowed.

Army-led rescue operations were deployed today to help responders sort through mud and debris to find people who may have been trapped.

This week’s deadly weather conditions have been attributed to a phenomenon known by the acronym DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos). It is essentially an area of low pressure located at high levels of the atmosphere.

What is the latest UK travel advice for Spain?

On October 30, the FCDO issued a new warning to people planning to travel to Spain.

While the FCDO has not asked people to cancel their trips, it has advised visitors to Spain to pay close attention to weather warnings wherever they are.

“Severe weather and flooding are affecting many areas of southern and eastern Spain, particularly the Valencia region and Castilla La Mancha. Journeys may be affected,” the update said.

The rest of the travel advice for the country remained unchanged.

Cars stuck by floods in Valencia

P.A.

Is it safe to travel to Spain at the moment?

In 2023, some 17 million British nationals visit Spain, and most trips were uneventful.

Despite the recent FCDO update, travel to affected regions of Spain is still permitted.

It may be difficult to obtain a full refund for airline tickets, as current travel advice does not recommend against non-essential travel.