Is it safe to travel to Valencia? Advice for travellers after flooding

by Admin
October 30, 2024

Valencia and the surrounding area has been devastated after a year’s worth of rain fell in a few hours.

Spain’s worst natural disaster in a century continues to wreak havoc.

The death toll from the floods is the worst Spain has seen since 1973 and many still remain missing, with emergency services working around the clock to recover bodies and identify victims.

Piled up cars, tree branches, downed power lines and household items all mired in a layer of mud cover the streets of Valencia.

Up to a year’s worth of rain fell on the city and surrounding areas in a few hours on Tuesday, with tens of thousands of homes still without power today (Thursday).

Here is the latest information for travellers in the Valencia region.

Is it safe to travel to Valencia?

Given the scale of devastation and pressure on public services, cancelling non-essential travel to Valencia and the surrounding region is advised.

The UK’s Foreign Office has updated their travel advice for Spain stating: “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.”

European leaders have been sending their condolences, with the EU offering assistance with cleanup.

Valencia airport has resumed flights

Valencia airport has been severely disrupted by the flooding over the last few days, with a runway flooded on Tuesday and passengers having to walk to the airport as they had no other way of getting there.

Local authorities have said that most roads to the airport have now reopened. There are mixed reports on how easy it is to get to and from the airport by public transport or taxi.

According to Valencia airport’s official website, most flights are departing on time today (Thursday). There are some short delays with arrivals.

Aena, the airport operator at Valencia, posted on X on Thursday morning advising passengers to check with their airline on their flight’s status.

A video shared on social media from Tuesday evening shows much of the runway underwater.

Some flights were diverted to nearby airports such as Barcelona during the flooding. Passengers are now taking to social media to complain about how airlines responded during the crisis.

Will you get a refund if you decide not to travel?

Travel insurance is designed to cover unforeseen events, such as emergency medical expenses, lost or stolen belongings and last-minute cancellations.

In some cases, you can be reimbursed if your trip is cancelled due to extreme weather – but certain conditions usually apply.

Check your policy for a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation, as these vary by provider. Some may provide add-ons for weather-related circumstances.

If your trip is cancelled by your airline or travel provider due to weather related events, you will likely be offered compensation and a replacement trip or refund.

Some rail services suspended in Valencia region

The flooding has caused severe disruption to train travel. National rail infrastructure operator ADIF said all rail services in the Valencia region are suspended “until the situation returns to normal for the safety of passengers”.

The high-speed rail lines between Valencia and Madrid and Alicante are suspended for at least four days (until Sunday).

A high-speed train from Malaga headed to Madrid carrying 276 passengers derailed in the southern region of Andalusia on Tuesday. There were no injuries or fatalities, the regional government said in a statement.

Many roads in Valencia still flooded with cars piled up in mud

Roads in and around Valencia remain severely affected by the flooding.

This means that car, bus and coach travel will be impacted.

Those with coach bookings are advised to check with their operator before leaving home.

Drivers in the area are advised to check routes before leaving on a journey.

Emergency appeal for donations to support affected communities

Travel company Intrepid has launched an emergency appeal through their not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, to support communities impacted by the severe rain and flooding.

All funds raised will go to their local partner Casa Caridad, who has been providing immediate relief to people impacted by the floods.

They’re also working with the Valencian government to ensure funds are directed where they are needed most. Intrepid will match donations up to £25,000 (€30,000).