Intrepid launches emergency appeal in response to flooding in Spain

Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal through its not-for-profit The Intrepid Foundation to support impacted communities following extreme rain and severe flooding in areas across Eastern and Southern Spain.

All funds raised through the appeal up to $46,000 will be matched by the Intrepid Foundation and will go directly to Intrepid NGO partner and grassroots organization Casa Caridad to provide immediate relief such as food and clothing to those impacted.  Severe weather caused extensive flooding in parts of the region, leading to power outages, road closures, property damage and fatalities.

The regions most affected include the Valencia area and La Mancha, though other parts of southern and eastern Spain have also experienced disruptions. All Intrepid tours are continuing to operate as scheduled and are closely monitoring updates and guidance from local authorities to ensure traveller safety.

At present, there are no travel restrictions locally or internationally related to this event, and the risk to travelLers remains low.

“When a disaster affects one of our local communities, it impacts all of us,” said Biheng Zhang, general manager of The Intrepid Foundation. “Through The Intrepid Foundation, the entire Intrepid ecosystem of travellers and industry can lend support to those who need it the most.”

Intrepid holds enduring connections with Spain and Valencia is home to its local country office, which employs 25 team members. The Intrepid Foundation has been partnering with local community organizations since 2002 and onboarded Casa Caridad as a partner in 2023, which is one of two local partners in Spain.

As well as providing immediate relief, Casa Caridad is working with the Valencian government and will direct funds to the areas that need it most, as the situation evolves.

Florencia Allo Moreno, general manager of Intrepid in Western Europe, is based in Valencia and has been personally affected by the flooding.

She said: “The current situation in Spain is devastating and communities are suffering deeply, with many people losing their homes and searching for their loved ones. Spain is a beloved destination for many Intrepid travellers and we want to do everything we can to support the relief efforts.”

Intrepid has confirmed that travellers and staff in Spain are safe, and trips in Spain continue to operate as planned.

To donate to recovery efforts, visit The Intrepid Foundation’s Spain Flood Appeal.