Last week a dramatic storm swept Spain, hitting the southeastern coast with torrential downpours, intense flooding and a tornado. As of 16 September six people have reportedly lost their lives, meanwhile an estimated 3,500 people have lost their homes. With the worst of the storms now over, Spain is hard at work rebuilding its impacted areas.
Last week a dramatic storm swept Spain, hitting the southeastern coast with torrential downpours, intense flooding and a tornado.
As of 16 September six people have reportedly lost their lives, meanwhile an estimated 3,500 people have lost their homes.
With the worst of the storms now over, Spain is hard at work rebuilding its impacted areas.
The majority of the country is experiencing dry conditions hitting temperatures of approximately 20 degrees at the time of writing, however further rain is expected across the nation on Friday.
The violent storms hit the coast on September 11, with Murcia, Algeria, Valencia and Alicante the worst affected.
As chaos ensued, Spain’s meteorological agency (AEMET) issued an “extreme risk” weather warning.
The UK Foreign office also warned Britons heading off on Spanish holidays. An update on their website stated: “Spain’s meteorological office (AEMET) has issued an ‘extreme risk’ weather warning for the regions of Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, Almeria and Balearic Islands due to torrential rain.
“If you are in these areas you should exercise extreme caution and follow the advice of the local authorities.”
Flights were affected by a number of delays and cancellations, with the rain and gale-force winds instigating the closure of several airports.
Passengers travelling to and from Ibiza, Algeria and Murcia were the worst affected.
Although all airports have now reopened, authorities advise those flying to stay on the look out for relevant updates.
Among the six reported fatalities, was a man who had been swept along as mud and water engulfed his car on the A-92 highway Jámula.
A further driver was taken by the waters in Almería as the violent downpour flooded a tunnel within minutes.
Elsewhere in the country, two elderly siblings were killed as intense floodwaters flipped their car over.
Alongside fatalities and injuries, Spanish emergency services have been hard at work rescuing stranded tourists and residents.
A British family of six, with two small children, were rescued from their villa in Alicante.
After being trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters for eight hours, the Spanish military were finally able to locate them.
The holidaymakers were successfully saved after 12 hours.
Holiday hotspots across the nation are still recovering from the worst storm the country has seen in 140 years.
While the upcoming week seems promising, areas including Malaga, Alergia and Murcia may be affected by further rain on Friday.
