Spain floods latest: People 'trapped like rats' as flash floods kill dozens - with PM warning 'more could come'

'Cars were washed down the riverbed'

A British builder in Valencia has said the flooding last night was "was pretty disastrous for everyone".

Appearing on Sky News earlier and turning his camera to capture "the devastation" around him, Mr Gill said he was doing emergency call-outs for British people in need of help after the storms. 

He showed how a bridge next to him was closed after its "road was about to crack". 

"We literally had cars being washed down the riverbed, being swept under," he said.

Mr Gill added there were a number of people "trapped in their vehicles" last night. 

Number killed rises to 62

The number of people killed in the flash floods has risen to 62, according to Valencian regional authorities.

Others remain missing after the worst natural disaster to hit Spain in recent memory caused by torrential rain yesterday.

More than 1,000 soldiers from Spain's emergency response units were deployed to the affected areas in the country's southeast, with rescue services also bring drafted in from other parts of the country.

Firefighters clear debris after village left devastated by flood

Last night's floods have caused major devastation in the village of Letur, in the Castilla La Mancha region, which neighbours Valencia.

Firefighters are working to clear the masses of debris left behind after flood water swept through the area.

Spain's civil guard said it was continuing to search for people missing in the village with the help of specialists. Two drones and a dog search team joined the effort this morning, it said in a post to X.

Regional mayor Sergio Marin Sanchez said earlier that six people were missing in Letur.

Football matches called off

Spanish football authorities have postponed two matches this evening due to the consequences of the flash flooding.

Valencia have seen their first round Copa del Rey clash against CP Parla Escuela called off, while Pontevedra's home tie with Levante has also been postponed.

The Spanish Football Federation said the decisions were made due to the weather conditions caused by the flooding.

Both matches have been given new dates to play the matches next week.

Push notification warning residents to stay home 'will have saved lives'

A Valencia resident says a push notification warning residents to stay at home in the storm likely "saved lives".

Maya Middlemiss told Sky News the region is prone to "severe rain" at this time of year, but last night marked the first time she had received an emergency alert.

"That caused quite a lot of anxiety. It was basically telling us to stay home, not to go out, obviously the emergency services were were dealing with the live situation so they didn't want to add to that."

She said the notification "will have saved lives" given the devastation caused by the rainfall.

'Spain weeps with you,' PM says as he addresses disaster

Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, is holding a news briefing now on the flash floods.

He sends his condolences of the families of those killed and says his "absolute priority" is to help those affected by the disaster.

Mr Sanchez says Spain "weeps with" those who are still looking for loved ones.

"Our thoughts go out to those whose homes and possessions have been devastated and whose lives have been covered in mud," he says.

"We are united and we will rebuild your streets and your squares and bridges," he says, adding: "Spain will be with you."

Mr Sanchez says the government's crisis committee will work "hand in hand" with local authorities and town mayors for "24 hours a day as long as the emergency goes on".

He warns the "devastating event" may not be over yet with forecasters predicting further storms into tomorrow.

The prime minister urges residents to listen to recommendations by emergency services and not to risk their lives.

One more person confirmed dead

The number of people killed has risen to at least 52.

According to the newspaper El Pais, an 88-year-old woman who was missing in the town of Mira in Castilla-La Mancha, the neighbouring province to Valencia, has been found dead this morning.

Storms are 'worst natural disaster in 50 years'

Jon Clarke, editor of The Olive Press, is in one of the hardest hit areas in Malaga. 

Speaking to Sky News, he described the storms as "the worst natural disaster at least for 50 years but it could be a lot more".

Pointing to the 51 people killed, Mr Clarke said he expected the figure to go up.

He said some of the flood-struck areas got "half a year's rain" in six to seven hours. 

While the authorities did warn people of the incoming storm, he doesn't believe there was a way to adequately plan for such extreme circumstances.

He said an expected broadcast by Pedro Sanchez, the prime minister, indicates the authorities "are expecting worse".

Football clubs offer help to authorities

Top-flight Spanish football clubs in the Valencia region have been reacting to the flash floods affecting the area.

Valencia CF sent its "most sincere condolences" to the relatives and friends of those who have died and offered its help to Spanish authorities if needed.

"Much strength to all the affected residents and communities and to the groups that are working on prevention and the consequences of the effects of the storm," they added.

La Liga side Villarreal CF said it was suspending all corporate events scheduled this week in the wake of the disaster.

"The club wishes to show its solidarity and support to all those affected by the consequences of the torrential rains," a statement said.

Levante UD, the third top-flight Spanish club from the area, said: "As a Valencian club, we deeply regret this tragedy and we send our solidarity to every corner of our land. 

"We thank the emergency services and all the people who continue to work tirelessly. We are with you."

Other La Liga sides including Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Athletic Bilbao also shared messages on social media sending condolences to those affected. 

Spanish parliament suspended

Spain's parliament has been suspended in the wake of the flash floods.

It comes as rescuers continue to search for those missing in the hardest-hit regions, where people are being urged to stay at home. More than 1,000 soldiers have been deployed to affected areas.

Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, is due to hold a live broadcast about the disaster this morning.

Rescuers in dinghies search for trapped residents

Flooding in Spain has killed dozens, turned streets into rivers and caused major travel disruption.

Rescuers in dinghies have been searching floodwaters for trapped residents throughout the night, with emergency teams still trying to reach the worst-hit areas.

Number killed could rise - as region gets year's worth of rain in hours

The number of people killed in the flash floods is expected to rise as other regions are yet to report victims.

Officials say a year's worth rain has fallen on Valencia in eight hours.

Search efforts are also continuing in areas with difficult access.

At least 51 people, including children, have been reported killed so far in southeastern Spain.

The Valencian government's emergency coordination centre said it was beginning the "process of collecting and identifying victims".

Valencia's regional president Carlos Mazon said earlier that it was "still impossible to provide an exact figure".

Spanish king and queen 'devastated' at flooding

Spanish King Felipe and Queen Letizia have said they are "devastated" by the flash floods and sent their "deepest condolences" to the family and friends of those killed.

"Strength, courage and all the necessary support for all those affected," the monarchs said in a statement.

"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."

'Everything is a total wreck'

A bar owner in the Valencian village of Barrio de la Torre says the whole "neighbourhood is destroyed".

"All the cars are on top of each other, it's literally smashed up," Christian Viena said.

"Everything is a total wreck, everything is ready to be thrown away. The mud is almost 30 centimetres deep."

The rain has eased off in Valencia but forecasters have warned of further storms. Valencian regional president Carlos Mazon has urged people to stay at home to prevent complications to rescue efforts.

-SKY NEWS