51 dead in Valencia flash flooding which swept through villages

At least 51 people have died after flash floods swept away cars, turned village streets into rivers and disrupted rail lines and major roads in Spain. Emergency services in the eastern region of Valencia confirmed the death toll.

Rainstorms on Tuesday caused flooding in a wide swath of southern and eastern Spain. One high-speed train with nearly 300 people on board derailed near Malaga, however rail authorities said no-one was hurt.

High-speed train service between Valencia city and Madrid was interrupted, as were several commuter lines. Floods of mud-coloured water tumbled vehicles down streets at frightening speeds as pieces of wood mixed with household articles.

Police and rescue services used helicopters to lift people from their homes and cars. More than 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency response units were deployed to the devastated areas.

Spain’s central government set up a crisis committee to help co-ordinate rescue efforts. Storms were forecast to continue through Thursday, according to Spain’s national weather service.

Spain has experienced similar autumn storms in recent years. It is still recovering from a severe drought earlier this year. Scientists say increased episodes of extreme weather are likely linked to climate change.