Spain sends out vaccine, food convoys after snowstorm paralyses roads

Benjamin Cremel / AFP

The Spanish government will send convoys carrying COVID-19 vaccine and food supplies to areas cut off by Storm Filomena.

In the Madrid area, rescuers reached 1,500 people trapped in cars, while police broke up a large snowball fight after authorities appealed for citizens to stay at home for risk of accidents or spreading coronavirus.

Forecasters warned of dangerous conditions in the coming days, with temperatures expected to fall to up to minus 10 degree Celsius next week and the prospect of snow turning to ice and damaged trees falling.

Madrid's main international airport was closed and the operator said would not re-open until Sunday afternoon at the earliest, when flights would resume gradually.

About 20,000 km of roads across central Spain were affected by the storm, with officials confirming the death of four people due to the extreme weather conditions.

The State Metereological Agency (Aemet) said up to 20-30 cm of snow fell in Madrid on Saturday, the most since 1971. 

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Off Script with Chris, Robbie & Sonal

    5:00pm - 7:00pm

    The UAE’s alternative take on news, entertainment and sport. Join Chris, Robbie and Sonal as they cut through the clutter to bring you the news, entertainment and sport stories that actually matter.

  • Extra Time

    7:00pm - 8:00pm

    Chris & Robbie bring you the latest from the sporting world plus interviews with upcoming and legendary sporting stars.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.