King Felipe speaks of devastation as Valencia overwhelmed by floods

The King of Spain has spoken of his shock at the impact of torrential rain and hurricane winds that have hit parts of Spain.

King Felipe said he wanted to express his deep sadness and concern after floods devastated areas including Valencia. At least 95 people are now known to have been killed across Spain as a result.

The Spanish king was speaking at his first public engagement since the rains hit. It followed a phone call with the country’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, who declared three days of national mourning for those lost in the floods.

As the downpour continued to impact the region, authorities said many more people in Valencia and Castilla remained missed as emergency workers reach areas hit by the sudden bad weather.

Even as the rescue operation went on, an extremely rare red weather warning, indicating a threat to life, was issued for the Cadiz region as the downpours moved across Spain.

King Felipe praised the emergency workers who are now working in challenging conditions with rain still falling. Homes and businesses have been badly damaged and thousands of cars have been swept up in the floods, often left in heaps as the waters begin to recede.

Over 1,000 military personnel have been sent to impacted areas.

King Felipe said the important thing was that they were allowed to carry out their work unimpeded as the search for the many missing continues.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia had first issued a statement as the rain and winds, known in Spanish as a DANA, began to hit the region, saying that they were ”following, with great concern”. They sent their thanks to ”all the emergency services, firefighters, local police, Armed Forces, National Police and Civil Guard for the commendable work they are doing in such difficult conditions.”

The King and Queen of Spain issued another statement as the impact became clearer, sending condolences to those who have lost loved ones, adding ”strength, courage and all the necessary support for all those affected.”

Spain’s parliament held a minute’s silence for those killed.