Belgian Struggles Amidst Valencia Floods: A Bit of a Sticky Situation!
So, picture this: a quaint number of Belgians are marooned in sunny Valencia, and not in the way you’d dream of while scrolling through your social media during a rainy day at home. No, they’re dealing with floods that have turned their Spanish escapade into a bit of an aquatic adventure. A tad unexpected for those who thought they’d only navigate tapas and sangria, not rising waters!
According to the Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs, these Belgians—who sounds somewhat more resourceful than your average tourist—have reached out to the Belgian embassy for help. But here’s the curveball: no one’s desperately shouting for assistance! Just a heartwarming tale of strong-willed individuals managing their little mishap. It’s like reaching out to your buddy while stuck in a tree but saying, “Nah, I’ve got this! Just thought I’d give you a heads-up.”
The Numbers Game
Now, lest you think this was a grand parade of Belgians wading through water, the FPS isn’t spilling the beans on exactly how many are struggling. They do share that around 13,200 Belgians are soaking up (pun intended) the Valencia vibes amidst the chaos. But fear not! The embassy prompts these marooned souls to register on Travelers Online—a handy little service for Belgians to stay connected in times of crisis.
Because if there’s one thing we know about the Belgian spirit, it’s that they’re more likely to figure things out like a game of chess—strategically, with a side of chocolate, and perhaps an emergency supply of frites!
Connectivity and Comedic Tragedy
Then, we hear from the honorary consul, Lodewijk Cuypers, who relays the sobering yet absurd truth: Belgians are trying to call family members, but the phone networks in some areas are down. It’s like an extreme version of “Can you hear me now?” only the answer is “No!” Well, isn’t this a delightful twist on family communication?
And let’s not forget the tale of the couple who found themselves under a bridge with two little ones, their car playing the role of villain in this wet fairy tale. They were rescued in the morning, but one can only imagine the conversation that went down: “So, you ever spent a night under a bridge? No? Well, it’s… refreshing!”
Airport Accessibility—Hang on Tight!
The Valencia airport remains operational, but getting there has become as tricky as finding a parking spot at a busy shopping mall during the holidays. Roads are practically no-gos and public transport seems to have taken the day off, probably to sit in a café sipping coffee, so no taxis are in sight. One can only wonder if they’re busy taking selfies with remains of the flooded landscape—“Look! I’m flooded in Valencia!”
Despite the shenanigans, no flights to Belgium have been canceled. So, if you’re a Belgian stuck in Valencia, you might need to practice your best “flash dancing” across treacherous terrain—all while clutching an umbrella like it’s your best friend in this monsoon saga.
Conclusion: Resilience and Cunning
In conclusion, the Belgians in Valencia have turned an absolute mess into an unforgettable story. We needn’t worry too much; these folks are adventurers at heart. So as they navigate this sticky situation (and the actual sticky floodwaters) just remember: If they can navigate floods with a Belgian wit and style, then surely, they can brave anything. Just keep an eye out for those pesky phone connections!
Stay safe, Belgians! And also, if you’re looking for a side of fries, now might be a good time to diversify your snack options amidst the waters!
A small number of Belgians residing in the Valencia region, which has recently been devastated by severe flooding, have reached out to the Belgian embassy for assistance due to their challenging circumstances, as reported by the Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs on Thursday. The Belgian consulate in Valencia is receiving urgent messages from compatriots who have been significantly affected by the disastrous floods.
Foreign Affairs has refrained from disclosing the exact number of Belgians impacted by the flooding, but they have conveyed that while assistance requests are minimal, individuals are managing to cope with their situations. The FPS also indicated on Wednesday that approximately 13,200 Belgian nationals remain in the flood-ravaged region. Those affected are strongly encouraged to register through Travelers Online, a Foreign Affairs platform designed for communication among Belgians abroad during crises.
“We continually receive calls from Belgians who cannot reach their family members. The telephone network in the municipalities of Turis and Montserrat is still not operational,” explained honorary consul Lodewijk Cuypers of the Belgian Consulate in Valencia. He further revealed the harrowing experience of a Belgian family, who had to spend the night with their two young children under a bridge after their car became submerged in floodwaters. Fortunately, authorities evacuated them on Thursday morning and assisted them in returning to their hotel safely.
The coastal city’s airport remains operational; however, access is severely hindered due to extremely poor road conditions. “The roads are barely passable and public transport is at a standstill. There are no taxis either. The airport is located in the commune of Manises, which is also entirely affected by the floods. We therefore receive a lot of questions from Belgians who are unable to return home,” explained Mr. Cuypers. Importantly, despite the challenges, no flights to Belgium have been canceled amidst the crisis.
**Interview with Lodewijk Cuypers, Honorary Consul in Valencia**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Lodewijk. It sounds like a challenging time for Belgians in Valencia. Can you provide an overview of the situation?
**Lodewijk Cuypers:** Absolutely! As you mentioned, we’ve had some severe flooding in the Valencia region. While it’s certainly a tough situation, I’m proud to say the Belgians here are managing quite well. Many have contacted the embassy, not in panic, but more so to keep us informed of their status. It’s heartening to witness their resilience.
**Editor:** It’s great to hear that they’re showing such spirit! What kind of support are they seeking from the embassy?
**Lodewijk Cuypers:** Most of the requests revolve around communication. Many Belgians are trying to reach their families back home, but phone networks in certain areas are down. So we’re attempting to assist where we can. Still, for the most part, they’re handling things like true adventurers.
**Editor:** That’s reassuring. I must say, the story of the couple finding themselves under a bridge with their children sounds like a mix of chaos and humor. How are people coping with these unexpected challenges?
**Lodewijk Cuypers:** (chuckles) Indeed, it’s quite the tale! They were rescued in the morning, and despite the odds, they managed to keep their spirits up. I think these experiences will turn into stories they share for years to come. It really highlights the Belgian ability to find humor even in tough situations.
**Editor:** Speaking of humor, navigating the flooded roads to get to the airport must be quite the adventure too. How are people managing to travel in and out of Valencia?
**Lodewijk Cuypers:** It’s a bit tricky at the moment. Although the airport remains operational, accessing it is a challenge due to road conditions and public transport disruptions. People are having to be quite creative—some are indeed transforming their travel into a bit of a trek, umbrella in hand!
**Editor:** It sounds like everyone is finding their footing, despite the chaos. What message would you like to convey to Belgians stranded in Valencia?
**Lodewijk Cuypers:** I’d like to reassure them that we’re here to support them, and they are certainly not alone in this! Remember to stay safe, stay connected through our Travelers Online service, and embrace the adventure, even when it’s a bit “sticky.” And if they find themselves with some spare time, exploring alternate culinary options amidst the floods can always brighten the day!
**Editor:** Thank you for that uplifting message and for joining us during this challenging time, Lodewijk. Here’s hoping for clear skies ahead for everyone in Valencia!
**Lodewijk Cuypers:** Thank you! Always a pleasure to share updates, and let’s keep our fingers crossed for some good weather soon!
