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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Cathy Owen

'Extreme risk' weather warning for tourists as severe flooding hits Spain

British tourists in Spain have been wared of "extreme risk" weather after torrential rain caused severe flooding in the south of the country.

The death toll currently stands at six, while airports and beaches were closed alongside serious disruption to transport services after bad weather hit the region.

A warning issued by the Foreign Office states: "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.

"Flash floods are causing road closures and serious disruption to transport services; if you are in these areas you should exercise extreme caution and follow the advice of the local authorities."

A police car is parked on a flooded street in the Valencia region (AFP/Getty Images)
People walk along a flooded street in Almoradi (AFP/Getty Images)

Authorities have said that six people have died after the record rainfall hit south-eastern Spain.

Ontinyent had experienced its heaviest rainfall on record, with more than 400mm. The River Clariano rose nine metres (30ft) in two hours and flooded nearby streets, damaging buildings and bridges and washing away cars.

The aftermath of the flooding

A  58-year-old man was swept away by rushing waters when he got out of his vehicle in Redovan.

A sixth victim was confirmed by authorities on Saturday - a 41-year-old man in the town of Orihuela, where the river Segura overflowed its banks on Friday.

Rescue workers saved thousands of people from rising waters on Friday as the record rainfall pounded the south-east of the country, closing airports, trains, roads and schools.

Damaged cars are pictured after a street was flooded in Ontinyent (AFP/Getty Images)
Some people are carried on an excavator in Redovan (AFP/Getty Images)
(AFP/Getty Images)

Valencia residents had to be evacuated when at least two rivers burst their banks. Schools were also shut and some areas experienced power cuts.

Acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez flew over the devastated areas on Saturday.

You can find a detailed update on the weather in Spain here. If you are travelling to Spain, keep up to date with the latest information from the Foreign Office here.

 
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