Devastating images from Spain's floods

Torrential rains brought devastation to communities in eastern Spain as flash floods swept away buildings, destroyed bridges and piled debris in streets.

Man walks past debris in Sedaví, near Valencia

Dozens of people have died and the authorities warn others could be trapped or missing. Cars were washed down streets and stacked on top of each other in the town of Sedaví, near Valencia, after up to a year's worth of rain fell in a few hours.

Man walks past a boat washed up on street Two cars are partially submerged in the flooded streets of Sedaví

People have been forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge with friends and family or in emergency shelters.

Two women share a hug Residents salvage furniture in the flood-hit municipality of Paiporta

Rail services have been suspended between Madrid and Valencia after tracks were littered with vehicles or rubbish, damaged or completely destroyed.

Damaged vehicles block railway line in Valencia

Emergency workers have helped rescue the injured and elderly from flooded homes. Some areas could only be reached by helicopter after roads were blocked by mud and debris and the government has deployed hundreds of soldiers to help with the rescue effort.

Emergency workers carry an injured person after flash floods hit the region on October 30, 2024 in Letur, Albacete province, Spain. Members of the Spanish Emergency Military Unit (UME) help a resident in the flood-hit municipality of Mira
Emergency services at work on October 30, 2024, in Letur, Albacete, Castilla-La Mancha Emergency workers clear debris after heavy rains hit the region on October 30, 2024 in Letur, Albacete province, Spain
Civil Guard emergency responders carrying out a search operation in Letur

For some, the drama unfolded with little warning as torrents of water barraged down streets at night. People watched helplessly from windows as the water swept away everything in its path.

Torrents of water wash down a street like a river Police car on its side being washed away by the muddly floodwater Cares piled up in the street, floating half-submerged in muddy water at night Floodwaters flow around a large building

Communities are counting the cost of the devastation and starting to clean up and remove mud and water from homes, shops and streets.

Family clears debris from their home, scooping out muddy water Silohuette of a man cleaning out his house near Valencia