At least 52 people have been killed in Spain after flash floods struck parts of the country.
Torrential rains flooded roads and towns, resulting in cars being swept through streets, a train being derailed and damaged houses and buildings.
Authorities in the worst-hit areas had advised people to stay at home and avoid all non-essential travel.
Emergency services said at least 51 people have died in the floods affecting eastern Spain, and local outlet El Pais reported an 88-year-old woman was found dead in the Cuenca town of Mira further inland.
Those killed, in the Valencia region, included children.
In Letur, near the Sierra de Segura mountain range, 30 people were trapped after the river running through the town burst its banks.
Dozens of videos shared on social media appeared to show people trapped in floodwaters, several of them hanging on to trees to avoid being swept away.
Authorities used helicopters to rescue some residents from their homes.
Other videos shared by Spanish broadcasters showed floodwater rising into the lower levels of homes and even carrying cars through the street.
PM warns of more storms
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a press conference that “we are united and we will rebuild your streets and your squares and bridges,” telling those affected: “Spain will be with you.”
He added that the government’s crisis committee would work “hand in hand” with local authorities and town mayors for “24 hours a day as long as the emergency goes on”.
However, he then warned that the “devastating event” may not be over yet, as forecasters predict further storms into Thursday.
‘Trapped like rats’
Radio and TV stations received hundreds of calls for help from people trapped in flooded areas or searching for loved ones, as emergency services were unable to reach all affected locations.
More than 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency response units were deployed to the devastated areas.
“Yesterday was the worst day of my life,” Ricardo Gabaldon, the mayor of Utiel, a town in Valencia, told national broadcaster RTVE. He said several people were still missing in his town.
“We were trapped like rats,” Mr Gabaldon said. “Cars and trash containers were flowing down the streets. The water was rising to three metres.”
While the rain subsided in Valencia by late Wednesday morning, storms were forecast to continue on Thursday, according to Spain’s national weather service.
‘It was mayhem’
A British couple told Sky News they had been stuck in their car for almost 10 hours.
Vitalij Farafonov and his wife were visiting Valencia on a yoga retreat when they were diverted by police from a motorway at around 8pm last night.
He said: “It was mayhem as we counted nine or 10 overturned lorries on a half mile stretch of the motorway.
“We’ve never seen anything like it.”
Mr Farafonov said he and his wife were stuck “on a random rural road in between what were beautiful orange groves”.
“We can finally see flashing blue lights so people do know where we are,” he added. “As I say, we are the lucky ones.”
The couple, who are originally from the Midlands but now live in Luxembourg, have four children who are safe in Barcelona with relatives.
‘Half a year’s rain’
Jon Clarke, editor of news outlet The Olive Press, told Sky News from one of the worst affected areas in Malaga that he expects more deaths to be announced.
He described the storms as “the worst natural disaster at least for 50 years” before warning that “it could be a lot more”.
The journalist then said some of the flood-struck areas in the Valencia region were hit by “half a year’s rain” in six to seven hours
Transport was also severely affected by the flooding, with a high-speed train with almost 300 people on board derailed near Malaga. Authorities said no one was hurt in the incident.
Rail lines elsewhere were also disrupted. Spain’s transport ministry announced just before 11am that the high-speed train between Valencia and Madrid will be suspended throughout Wednesday.
‘Titanic work’
Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia said they were “devastated” by the deadly floods.
“Our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the more than 50 deceased,” they said in a statement.
“Strength, courage and all the necessary support for all those affected.
“Our warmest message and recognition to local and regional authorities and all emergency services, armed forces and state security forces and corps for the titanic work they have been doing from the very beginning.”
Scientists have warned that increased episodes of extreme weather, like flash floods, or the wildfires seen elsewhere in Europe in the summer, are likely linked to human-driven climate change.
Meteorologists believe the warming of the Mediterranean, which increases water evaporation, plays a key role in making torrential rains more severe.
