Thousands missing from tourist hotspot after storm as holiday destination goes into lockdown

Nearly 2000 people are missing from a Brit holiday hotspot after it was hit by a storm.

The Spanish coastal city of Valencia is expected to see most of the damage caused by the storm, which this week triggered mass floods and saw authorities encourage both locals and tourists to stay inside.

However, Spain‘s national weather service has now warned the weather system causing the chaos could be headed for Majorca.

Tourist hotspot Palma has been locked down as a result with areas of the main promenade cordoned off and the streets practically deserted. Parks, public gardens and even cemeteries are closed until Monday while homeless people have been relocated away from flood zones.

So far, more than 200 people across Spain have been confirmed dead since the storm began. However, authorities believe this figure could be set to rise quickly in the coming days.

Javier Bonet, Palma’s first deputy mayor, has urged people not to leave their homes unless “absolutely necessary.” He added: “We are not on red alert, but it is essential to warn the population to avoid greater risks.”

Parts of Majorca are expected to be hit with a staggering 120mm of rain in the space of three to four hours – just under a tenth of the amount of rain that fell in the entire year in the UK in 2023, which was the 11th-wettest year on record.

Weather warnings came into force in Palma from 10am local time today (Saturday, November 2) and will remain in place throughout the weekend.

In Valencia, emergency crews are continuing to search for bodies in cars and buildings while residents face the prospect of ruined homes. In eastern Valencia alone, 155 deaths have been confirmed so far.

Grim images from the site of the storm showed bodies piled on top of one another, uprooted trees and damaged power lines.

“Unfortunately, there are dead people inside some vehicles,” said Spain’s Transport Minister Oscar Puente early on Thursday (October 31).

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer issued a statement today saying the UK @stands with Spain.”

“My thoughts are with those who have lost their lives, their families and all those affected by the devastation caused by the extreme flooding in Spain. The UK stands with Spain during this difficult time,” he added.

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