– Everyone is safe and sound, says principal Stein Thomas Tusvik at Skien upper secondary school. Eight pupils and two staff at the school were evacuated from one of the worst flood areas in Spain on Wednesday. The small group has been in the town of Alfafar outside Valencia since Friday. The pictures from the flood-ravaged city show how the bodies of water have dragged cars with them like barges. In several places, vehicles are piled up against the walls of houses. Travel party Skien witnessed significant damage on its way out of Alfafar. Photo: Guri Danielsen Transported out by bus On Wednesday morning, the group from Skien was evacuated by bus to Valencia. When news was in contact with Tusvik on Wednesday evening, the headmaster was able to say that the traveling party from Skien has been accommodated in a hotel in the Spanish city awaiting their return to Norway. – We have been in contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the consulate in Valencia, says Tusvik. There was chaos on the main road from Alfafar on Wednesday. Photo: Guri Danielsen Unclear return journey The young people are students in sales, service and the tourism department at Skien upper secondary school. Another group from the school is currently in Malaga. – We have also been in contact with them, but Malaga is not affected by the flood, says Tusvik. Principal Stein Thomas Tusvik at Skien upper secondary school. Photo: Gry Eirin Skjelbred / news He is currently unsure when the group in Valencia can return to Norway. – I have an ongoing dialogue with the assistant principal who is one of two adults who are with the students. We are working to get departure as quickly as possible, but have to wait because of closed roads, says Tusvik. Close to a hundred dead Great floods have hit Spain hard. A year’s worth of rain fell in a few hours, and the authorities are struggling to reach several areas. Nearly a hundred people have died after torrential rain and floods in the Valencia region of Spain, according to AFP. Many are also missing. The Spanish authorities have declared three days of national mourning. – It is a very difficult time for relatives. We are shocked, said the Valencia region’s leader, Carlos Mazon, on Wednesday morning. Published 30.10.2024, at 22.28 Updated 30.10.2024, at 22.56
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