Is it protected to journey to Spain following floods? Your rights as Ibiza, Alicante and extra areas hit

Torrential rain has brought about chaos for travellers with mass flooding in Spanish vacation hotspots, together with Ibiza, Catalonia and Alicante.

The area has been swept by Storm Alice, leading to extreme flooding and robust winds since Thursday.

Hundreds of vacationers have confronted flight delays and cancellations because of the hostile climate situations.

AEMET, Spain’s meteorological company, issued a short lived purple climate warning in Catalonia on Sunday, with orange warnings for “very heavy and persistent showers” nonetheless lively in areas of the Mediterranean coast and the Balearics.

Here’s every little thing it’s good to know concerning the floods in Spain and the most recent journey recommendation.

Where in Spain has flooded?

From Thursday 9 October, torrential rain brought about flash floods in Spain’s northeastern Catalonia area and throughout the Mediterranean coast.

The downpours are a part of a spell of extreme climate pushed by Storm Alice, which has battered elements of southeastern Spain, together with the Balearic Islands.

AEMET declared a purple climate alert in Catalonia on Sunday, warning that as much as 180mm of rain may fall in simply 12 hours.

The rainfall has additionally swept the island of Ibiza, with the airport flooded and roads submerged in water.

Are flights to Ibiza and Alicante disrupted?

According to Flightradar, as of Monday morning, flights seem like working largely as scheduled out and in of Alicante and Ibiza airports with some delays.

In Ibiza, no less than 24 flights had been cancelled this weekend, with inside areas closed because of water leaking into the terminal and energy cuts.

“Because of the adverse weather conditions in Ibiza, airport operations were temporarily paralysed between 6pm and 7.20pm,” officers on the Spanish airports authority Aena advised native press. “During that time, the runway was cleaned along with other areas that were affected by the storm.”

Aena says: “If you’re flying, check with your airline for the status of your flight. We recommend exercising caution during your travels.”

What do the Spanish authorities say?

On Monday, AEMET stated that orange climate warnings for “very heavy and persistent showers” are nonetheless lively in areas of the Mediterranean coast and the Balearics.

The meteorological company warned: “Caution: there may be severe impacts.”

AEMET Valencia stated: “The most intense storms today are expected to be close to the coast or in areas near the coast.

“The great danger in these situations is when one of these storms becomes stationary, as the intensity of rainfall can reach torrential levels.”

The emergency service of the Balearic Islands said it has recorded 282 incidents, together with the flooding of buildings and roads associated to Storm Alice, since Thursday.

UK authorities recommendation on travelling to Spain

As of 13 October, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has warned that severe weather warnings are in place “in Murcia and Valencia, including the province of Alicante”.

It provides: “Disruptions to travel are likely. If you are in the affected areas, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local weather updates. If you are planning to travel, check for messaging from your travel provider or airline.”

More common recommendation about flooding in Spain says: “Flash flooding can cause travel disruption and damage to property and infrastructure. Check weather warnings from Spain’s meteorological office (AEMET) before travel and follow the advice of the local authorities.”

Can I cancel my vacation and get a refund?

As the Foreign Office has not warned towards non-essential journey to Spain, there will probably be no particular circumstances in place to have the ability to cancel a visit for a full refund.

The situations for cancelling your journey will probably be dependent in your vacation supplier, so it’s greatest to contact them for those who’re trying to postpone.

There is not any obligation for firms to refund bookings if you wish to cancel, and also you will be unable to assert journey insurance coverage because of security considerations until the Foreign Office recommendation modifications.

In phrases of journey insurance coverage, some insurance policies embrace pure catastrophe cowl for an occasion that forestalls you from reaching your vacation vacation spot. Check your insurance coverage insurance policies and converse to your insurer to see the place you stand.

Read extra: Spain floods entice folks in vehicles as Storm Alice sparks journey chaos