Multiple Dutch people struggling to reach loved ones in Spain after floods

Several Dutch people are currently not able to contact their Dutch relatives in Spain after the severe weather there, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated. The exact number can change quickly, but according to the spokesperson at the end of Wednesday morning, it was less than ten people who requested assistance because they had been unable to reach a loved one.

Dozens of people have died due to the storms and flooding in the region around the southern coast of Valencia. A spokesperson said that the ministry does not know how many Dutch people were staying in the area. People are not obligated to register when they travel to Spain. Several people who are missing a family member or other loved one reported this via NederlandWereldwijd, an organization of the ministry that accepts requests for assistance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is watching the situation in Spain and is in contact with the Spanish authorities, according to the spokesperson. The relatives who could not be contacted are being sought through the Dutch representation in Spain. According to the ministry, the evacuation of people from the affected area is up to the local authorities.

It has been reported that hundreds of Dutch tourists are currently staying in Valencia and Malaga. According to travel organization TUI, the city of Valencia has fared reasonably well, but travelers are having a hard time getting to or from the city's airport.

"The airport is accessible, albeit with difficulty. We, therefore, inform people to travel to the airport well in advance," said a spokeswoman for TUI. Through this travel organization, 176 Dutch people are in Valencia, including 13 travelers who were supposed to return to the Netherlands on Wednesday. Two of them are stranded on the way, and TUI is booking other flights for them, the organization reported.

No requests for assistance have been sent to the ministry by anybody staying in a vacation park in France as of yet. The bridge to go in and out of the park has collapsed after severe rainfall. There is sufficient water and food in the park, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been told. They are also in contact with the local authorities in France about this issue.

At least 62 people have died in the storm in Spain. According to Spanish media, the victims were staying near the city of Valencia. The heavy rain caused flooding, which caused buildings to be submerged and cars to be swept away. People are still missing, but the exact number is unknown. The authorities have set up large-scale rescue operations.