Multiple deaths in Spain after flash floods triggered by Storm Dana

Spanish authorities have reported multiple victims of flash floods that swept away cars, transformed village streets into rivers and disrupted rail lines and highways. The country was on high alert due to Storm Dana, which brought with it warnings of flash flooding and landslides.

Footage captured on smartphones and broadcast on Spain's national broadcaster, RTVE, showed the terrifying speed of the floodwaters, carrying cars away and rising several feet into the lower levels of homes. Carlos Mazon, the regional president of eastern Valencia, stated that it was too early to confirm the exact number of fatalities, as many people were still unaccounted for.

This statement came after RTVE reported that 13 bodies had been recovered in Valencia, citing the Civil Guard. However, the Civil Guard did not immediately respond to calls from The Associated Press. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter

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Tuesday's rainstorms caused widespread flooding across southern and eastern Spain. AEMET, the country's state weather agency, issued a red alert for the eastern Valencia region and a second-highest level of alert for parts of Andalusia in the south.

A high-speed train carrying nearly 300 passengers derailed near Malaga, but rail authorities reported no injuries. High-speed train services between Valencia city and Madrid were disrupted, along with several commuter lines, reports the Manchester Evening News.

According to AEMET, storms are predicted to persist through Thursday. Valencia is expected to be the hardest hit by the storm, with forecasts predicting more than 3.5 inches (90mm) of rainfall in less than an hour, or 180mm in less than 12 hours.

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