Helicopters were deployed in Spain to rescue 30 people trapped in a campsite after the country was hit by widespread floods. Rescue teams were sent to the Eurocamping Oliva, near Valencia, where 30 people were trapped, according to information from the mayor of the municipality, Yolanda Pastor.
Elsewhere, a family of five, including a baby, was rescued on Miramar Beach, local media outlet apuntmedia.es reported. The helicopters landed at the Oliva Multipurpose Centre with rescued people, many of them elderly, the same outlet also reported.
Storm Adam brings torrential rain
At least two women are feared to have died in the floods. Spain has been hit by Storm Adam, which has brought torrential rain to the country. The Valencian Community, especially in Safor and Marina Alta, was badly hit, with rainfall reaching 600 litres per square metre in some municipalities.
The Valencian Meteorology Association also added that other badly affected areas included Vilallonga (Safor), Vall d'Ebo (Marina Alta) and Real de Gandia (Safor). Barx, Gandia and Oliva were also battered by the rain.
Widespread disruption and damage
The storm has reportedly left hundreds without electricity and a trail of destruction over the weekend. Images and videos on social media showed muddy waters dragging cars down streets.
The bad weather affected a number of areas loved by British tourists. Alongside Valencia and Alicante, the Balearics were also hit, with Ibiza Airport terminals being closed off as lashing rain seeped through the ceilings and onto the floors.
Some UK flights were also affected, including one from London, another from Bristol, and five others from other UK airports, which are understood to have been affected by the storm conditions.
Prime Minister urges caution
Pedro Sanchez, Spain's Prime Minister, said on X: "Very complicated situation in the Valencian Community, especially in the south coast of Valencia and north of Alicante, due to the heavy rains of the last few hours. The UMEgob is already deployed to collaborate with emergency services.
"And efforts are underway to rescue people in hard-to-reach areas. The population is asked to avoid any movement and remain on the upper floors. Let's follow the information from official emergency channels. Lots of caution."
