Death toll rises to 158 as Spain endures worst flooding disaster in decades

It's one of the country's worst ever natural disasters

The torrential downpours hit the south-eastern region of the country, with the town of Chiva near Valencia one of the worst-affected areas. An estimated 491mm of rain fell in the area according to the Spanish Weather Service.

Officials there have said it is "impossible" to know exactly how many people have perished so far.

Footage shared on social media shows cars being carried down streets in the flood waters, whilst other clips show some people clinging to trees to avoid being swept away, the BBC reports.

More than 1,000 troops have been deployed as part of the rescue operation, with many people reported missing and unaccounted for.

Local radio and TV stations have reportedly been receiving hundreds of calls from people trapped due to the flooding or searching for missing loved ones.

Police have issued an emergency hotline and asked people to phone 9006 5112 to report people who are missing.

In a post on X, Spain's King Felipe VI said he was "devastated" by the floods, and sent his "deepest condolences to the families and friends" of the dead.

He wrote: "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."

Pilar Bernabe, a government representative for the Valencia region, said it was essential that people stay indoors.

He said: "Practically all the main roads have been cut off and the secondary roads as well. "Not going out is not a mere recommendation, it is a necessity to guarantee the safety of the people who are stranded and the people who have to go to rescue others."

The floods have caused havoc to transport, including at Valencia airport, where the runways have been completely submerged in water.

National rail infrastructure operator ADIF said all train services in the Valencia region have been suspended.

A high-speed train carrying almost 300 people was also derailed near Malaga, but authorities said there were no reports of injuries.

Meanwhile, the city hall has said all school and sporting events in Valencia have been suspended on Wednesday and parks are closed.

Spanish weather service AEMET has issued a red weather warning, the highest possible, for the region, whilst the second-highest level of warning is in place for parts of Andalusia.

The deluges come after a period of severe drought in the eastern provinces.