Rescue efforts underway after floods hit central Spain

A big rescue operation is taking place in Spain after intense rain triggered devastating flooding in central parts of the country.

Weather warnings are still in place across parts of Spain, after the country was hit by heavy rain, hailstorms, and strong winds.

The weather caused flash floods, which is when heavy flooding happens quickly, creating fast-moving water.

The town of Chiva, in south eastern Spain, saw more than a year's worth of rain fall in just eight hours.

Officials in Valencia say that schools in the area are closed, and that trains, planes and football matches have been delayed or cancelled for safety.

More than 155,000 homes in the Valencia region, are currently without electricity.

Emergency services have been working hard to rescue and help people in the area

Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, said that emergency services and the military were working hard to help rescue people stuck by the floods.

At least 60 people have died as a result of the weather, and some people are missing.

Spain's King, Felipe VI, said he was "devastated" by the floods, and sent his "heartfelt condolences" to families affected.

Spanish government minister, Ángel Víctor Torres, announced that Spain will hold three days of mourning from Thursday to Saturday to remember those who have died.

What has caused the bad weather in Spain?

Weather experts in Spain think the heavy rainfall could be partly down to a weather phenomenon called DANA (depresión aislada en niveles altos - meaning: isolated depression at high altitudes).

This happens when warmer air, blown in by winds, rises up quickly and meets colder air higher up in the atmosphere, creating an unstable stormy environment.

Climate experts say that extreme weather events like this one in Spain are becoming more frequent in Europe because of climate change.

The UK Met Office said: “The worst conditions in this event occurred on Monday and Tuesday. However, river levels will remain high through the rest of Wednesday and into Thursday."

How are people helping those affected by the floods in Spain?

The Spanish government said it has sent more than 1,000 military troops to help emergency services with the rescue operation.

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, says "Europe is ready to help" and this was echoed by the European Council President Charles Michel, who said the EU "is ready to provide its support" to Spain.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that the Copernicus satellite system can be used to help organise rescue teams.

Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has offered Spain "all necessary help".