Spain floods latest: Valencia devastated by deadly flash floods as 158 confirmed dead

Emergency teams in Spain have been tirelessly searching through debris after devastating flash floods claimed the lives of at least 158 individuals, with more than 150 fatalities reported in Valencia alone. The disaster struck late on Tuesday and continued into Wednesday, and has been confirmed as one of the most severe natural disasters Spain has faced in a century.

Shocking aerial photos show the scale of devastation, with the damage visible from space as the country braces for more rain with red warnings in place. Heavy rain continues to fall in southern Spain as officials say the floods, which saw some areas receive a year's worth of rainfall in just 24 hours, have killed at least 158 people with fears that number is still to rise.

Rescue workers have mounted a huge response amid raised fears of further flooding in the hours to come. A red alert has been issued this morning for the Huelva region of Andalusia with torrential rain having fallen through the night and people are being urged not to leave their homes.

In other areas where the flood water levels have dropped, people have started to try to pick up the pieces, beginning the long process of clearing the wreckage and grieving for their loved ones. Reports painted a grim picture reminiscent of a tsunami's aftermath, with cars piled up, trees wrenched from the ground, power lines collapsed, and personal effects buried in the mud that now blankets streets in numerous communities.

Meanwhile, Valencia have paid tribute to their former player Jose Castillejo, 28, who was killed after the city was hit by flash floods. The club said in a statement: "Valencia CF mourn the passing of José Castillejo, casualty of the flash floodings. José came up through the [club's] youth system up to U18 level and played for others teams in the region."

Another of his former clubs, CD Eldense, also paid a tribute: "Terrible news coming from the catastrophic DANA. CD Eldense deeply regrets the death at the age of 28 of José Castillejo, former blue-and-red player in the 2015/2016 season. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace."

As rescue operations proceed, the exact number of those still missing remains uncertain, raising concerns that the death toll could climb even higher. Transport Minister Oscar Puente said on Thursday: "Unfortunately, there are people dead inside some vehicles."

The deluge transformed picturesque Valencia streets into deadly waterways, unleashing powerful currents that tore through residences and commercial properties, sweeping away vehicles and anything in their path. Valencia's transport infrastructure has been severely impacted, with bridges demolished and roads rendered unusable due to the floods' ferocity.

Local welder Luis Sanchez described his harrowing ordeal, recounting how he saved several people from their vehicles on the V-31 highway, which had been severely flooded. He said the scene was apocalyptic: "I saw bodies floating past. I called out, but nothing," the Mirror reports.

As the situation escalated, emergency services prioritised those most vulnerable. Mr Sanchez said: "The firefighters took the elderly first, when they could get in. I am from nearby so I tried to help and rescue people. People were crying all over, they were trapped."

In the aftermath of the disaster, there has been a concerted rescue effort involving numerous agencies and community members. Late on Wednesday, officials reported that approximately 70 people had been rescued from rooftops and vehicles by helicopter.

But the challenge is immense, with many still awaiting assistance. "We are searching house by house," said soldier Angel Martinez, who spoke of the ongoing efforts in Utiel where at least six lives were lost, speaking to Spain's national radio RNE.

In the wake of the tragedy, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his determination to support those affected during his visit to Valencia. As Spain embarked on three days of official mourning to honour the victims, he said: "Our priority is to find the victims and the missing so we can help end the suffering of their families."

The Mediterranean coast of Spain is no stranger to autumn storms that bring flooding, but the recent flash flood was the most severe in recent memory. Climate change is being blamed by scientists, who also point to it as the cause of rising temperatures and droughts in Spain, as well as the warming of the Mediterranean Sea.

A rapid analysis by World Weather Attribution, a group of international scientists studying the impact of global warming on extreme weather, found that human-induced climate change had doubled the likelihood of a storm like the one that hit Valencia. The region had been experiencing a nearly two-year drought, which meant the ground was too hard to absorb the rain, resulting in flash flooding.

The powerful storms tore through extensive swathes of southern and eastern Spain, inflicting particular devastation on communities around Valencia, which bore witness to a rare tornado event.

Andalusia also grappled with damages following a major hailstorm. In Malaga, within the region of Andalusia, numerous households experienced disconnections from water resources. The Spanish meteorological office released alerts for several counties, such as Castellon in Valencia, Tarragona in Catalonia, and Cadiz in the southwest, and premonitions of heavy rainfall lingered into Thursday.

The Civil Guard has reported the arrest of 11 individuals for thefts in shopping centres, while also being charged with the prevention of car thefts. Amidst the chaos, some locals have argued that they were left with no alternative but to take supplies, especially those lacking running water or access to stores that remained intact.