Heavy snowfall in Spain; four people died, thousands trapped in vehicles

MADRID: Heavy snowfall affected people in almost all parts of Spain. Reports indicate that four people have died from extreme cold.

Thousands of people and vehicles across the country are stranded at railway stations and airports. Moreover, train and air transport had to be stopped completely.

A car that went missing following the floods in a river in Fuengirola has been found. However, it was learned that the woman and the man in the car were found dead.

The body of a 54 – year – old man was found under the snow near Madrid. Police also confirmed that another homeless man had also died from extreme cold.

Warning was issued in more than half of Spain’s provinces yesterday afternoon. Storm Filomena is expected in about five provinces.

For the first time in forty years, a red alert has been declared in Madrid. In addition to Madrid, red alerts were given to four other regions in the centre of the country, including Aragon, Valencia, Castilla La Mancha and Catalonia.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had asked people to stay indoors and follow emergency services. The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the rescue agencies for helping hundreds of people who were trapped.

 It is learned that Military assistance has been sought to evacuate those trapped in the snow and vehicles.