Spain floods latest: British man, 71, among dead in Spanish floods as death toll nears 100
The death toll continues to rise after the worst flash floods in three decades swept the eastern Spanish region of Valencia
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Almost 100 people, including a 71-year-old British man, have died in southern and eastern Spain following the deadliest flash flooding in the country for three decades.
At least 95 people, reportedly including a baby and elderly woman, have been killed by the floods.
A British man died in hospital hours after being rescued from his home on the outskirts of Alhaurín de la Torre, Málaga, according to the president of the Andalusian government, Juanma Morena.
He said the Briton had been suffering from hypothermia and died after suffering several cardiac arrests.
As torrential rain – amounting to a year’s worth in just eight hours in some areas – inundated cities such as Valencia and Malaga, many found themselves "trapped like rats" in their homes and cars, surrounded by rapidly rising floodwaters.
Police and rescuers used helicopters to lift people from their homes and cars as mud-coloured water quickly filled streets in dozens of villages, towns and cities.
More than 1,000 soldiers were deployed to the worst-hit areas to search for those unaccounted for.
Spanish king and queen praise ‘titantic work’ of rescuers
Spanish King Felipe and Queen Letizia issue a statement on the floods in eastern and southern Spain.
Theys said: “Strength, courage and all the necessary support for all those affected.
“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.”
Cars swept away and roads become muddy rivers in Valencia
Floods of mud-coloured water tumbled vehicles down streets at frightening speeds. Pieces of wood swirled with household articles.
Rescuers were seen pulling people from their home on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Local media report that the death toll could easily rise with some regions yet to report victims and search efforts continuing in areas with difficult access.
Storms forecast to continue this week
The rain had subsided in Valencia by late Wednesday morning, but more storms are forecast through Thursday, according to Spain’s national weather service.
Spain has experienced similar autumn storms in recent years.
Scientists say increased episodes of extreme weather are likely linked to climate change.
British couple stranded in car for nearly 10 hours
A couple from the Midlands have told Sky News how they were stuck in their car for almost 10 hours during the floods.
Vitalij Farafonov and his wife were on the motorway in Valencia when they were diverted off the road on Tuesday night.
Hee said they were stuck on a “random rural road” before rescue teams arrived.
Mr Farafonov said: “It was mayhem as we counted nine or 10 overturned lorries on a half mile stretch of the motorway.
“We’ve never seen anything like it.”
‘The worst day of my life'
Among the worst-hit areas is the town of Utiel, around 60 miles inland from Valencia.
Mayor Ricardo Gabaldon said: “Yesterday was the worst day of my life.
He said several people were still missing in his town.
“We were trapped like rats. Cars and trash containers were flowing down the streets. The water was rising to three metres,” he said.
Stranded cars and mud-filled streets - devastation in pictures
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