A severe storm hit half of Spain over the weekend, causing catastrophic rainfall, severe winds and floods. Two people have been reported missing in Catalonia and a hospital was evacuated just southwest of Barcelona. And on Monday, just hours after the torrential downpour, a 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck southern Spain, causing damage in popular holiday hotspots Costa del Sol and Almería.
Understandably, those with holidays booked might be worried about whether it’s safe to travel. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Spain right now, and whether you are entitled to a refund if you cancel your trip.
Where is the flooding in Spain?
Severe storm warnings were announced by the Spanish weather agency, AEMET, across Huesca, Teruel, Zaragoza, Navarra and Castellón, along with Catalonian cities Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona. Barcelona was drastically affected with 155mm of rainfall on Saturday, leading to the evacuation of 71 patients at Penedès Regional Hospital, just southwest of the city. Navarra was also affected with 97mm of rain.
Where did the earthquake hit in Spain?
Hours after the severe floods, Spain’s National Geographic Institute (IGN) recorded the 5.4 earthquake early Monday morning on the Almería coast in southern Spain. The quake was felt in hundreds of towns and villages.
Granada, Malaga, Jaen, Murcia, Alicante, Costa del Sol and Albacete in the east were hit the hardest, but tremors were also felt in Levante and Cabo de Gata, the largest protected coastal area in Andalusia. An airport roof collapsed in Almería, but luckily, there were no injuries.
Is it safe to travel?
Though weather warnings have been lifted and the storms have eased, many regions are still dealing with the damage caused by the flooding. There have been no international warnings that mention it’s unsafe to travel to Spain, so while it’s safe to travel, it’s best to check the status of the area you plan to visit.
Spain’s State Meteorological Agency now warns of severe high temperatures across the country, especially inland areas like Madrid, Cordoba and Merida.
What’s the latest advice from the FCDO?
Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip?
As there has been no official warning against travel to Spain, you won’t automatically be entitled to a refund if you change your travel plans. If in doubt, it’s best to contact your airline and travel providers to see what can be done.
Extreme weather across Europe
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