Brits in Spain caught up in flash floods

Tuesday, 16 Sep, 2019 0

British holidaymakers have been caught up in flash floods in south east Spain over the weekend.

Two days of torrential rain has caused widespread flooding after rivers burst their banks when areas including Valencia, Murcia and eastern Andalucia saw the heaviest rainfall on record.

Over 3,500 people have been evacuated and six are believed to have died.

One British family had to be rescued at the weekend when the river near their holiday home in Benferri, close to Orihuela, burst its banks.

Floodwaters smashed the downstairs windows of their home.

Paul Spencer, 35, told Spain’s Olive Press: "It was terrifying. Within half an hour our basement was completely flooded."

The party of eight, including four children, had to be rescued by the Spanish army.

The weather is improving, but there are still traffic and travel problems. People due to fly to the region are being told to check for flight delays.

British holidaymaker Sandra Pegden tweeted on Monday morning: "Hotels ravaged by flood waters expecting people to still check in and not offering any refunds. Can’t get to hotel 525 Los Alcazares Mar Menor, stuck in Alicante."

Hannah Browning tweeted: "Whole towns evacuated and a lot of British citizens stuck with nowhere to go."

Reigate Travel tweeted: "Over the weekend, torrential rain has caused flash floods, loss of life and disruption in south east Spain. If travelling to Murcia, please check the status of your flights."

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Lisa

Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.

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