Taoiseach Simon Harris advised Irish citizens against traveling to flood-affected regions in Spain, but the government has not formally prohibited travel, limiting refund options for cancellations.
Flights resumed quickly at Valencia airport, meaning airlines are not obligated to refund passengers who choose not to travel; travel insurance may provide some coverage depending on policy specifics regarding extreme weather cancellations.
The flooding has disrupted local transport significantly, with all rail services in the Valencia region suspended, and travellers are advised to check road conditions before departing due to ongoing challenges and infrastructure damage.
Spanish authorities have opened a temporary morgue to aid in recovery efforts, with emergency services continuing to work tirelessly in devastated areas, as many remain missing following what is described as Spain’s worst natural disaster since 1973.
The high-speed rail lines between Valencia and Madrid and Alicante are suspended for at least four days (until Sunday). Drivers in the area are advised to check routes before leaving on a journey and those with coach bookings are advised to check with their operator before leaving home.
Areas around Valencia were still cut off on Friday as the death toll from catastrophic floods rose to 205 people after Valencia and the surrounding area were devastated after a year’s worth of rain fell in a few hours.
Clare Dunne, CEO of the ITAA shared, “The ITAA are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life and devastation current weather conditions has caused and our deepest sympathies go out to all those affected. We are especially thinking of our colleagues, friends and partners in Spain. I am in close contact with the regional Spanish tourism boards. The areas affected are not those currently frequented by Irish travellers. Whilst Spain is the most popular holiday destination for Irish holiday makers, November is off peak with a significant lower number of Irish travellers than at high peak time. All airports remain open. Travel warnings issued by Spanish authorities are directed at domestic travel arrangements.”
“If you are in an affected area, we advise you to monitor local news reports and follow any advice or instructions issued by the local authorities, your accommodation provider or local tour operator staff on the ground. Alternatively contact your tour operator or the ITAA travel agent you booked your holiday with for assistance. We also encourage you to monitor www.dfa.ie/travel/ You can also monitor information and alerts, including severe weather warnings, on the website of the Spanish Meteorological Agency, www.aemet.es. Keep your mobile phone charged and turn it onto roaming to receive alerts from local authorities.”
Valencia’s hotel association shared: ‘Valencia city has not been affected by the storm and flooding. It has been several towns in the west of the city caused by the flooding of rivers and ravines due to the rains in the interior of the province. Little by little, normality will gradually return to these towns. And if you look at the weather, the sun will be out next week. But I repeat, the city of Valencia has not been affected. By this weekend three days will have passed and communications will be much better.‘