Science

Several missing as flash floods sweep cars through the streets in Spain

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Several people have been reported missing after flash floods struck Spain, sweeping cars through the streets.

Shocking images and videos have emerged from eastern and southern parts of Spain, showing heavy rainfall turning once-busy roads into muddy rivers.

Flooding caused havoc, running from the provinces of Malaga in the south to Valencia in the east.

Videos shared by Spanish broadcasters showed floodwater rising into the lower levels of homes and even carrying cars through the street.

A high-speed train with almost 300 people on board was derailed near Malaga, but authorities said no one was hurt.

Rail lines elsewhere were also disrupted.

The national government office for the Castilla La Mancha region told radio channel Cadena Ser that six people in the region were missing.

One truck driver was missing in L’Alcudia, Valencia, according to Spanish news agency EFE.

Also in Valencia, the mayor of Utiel, Ricardo Gabaldon, told RTVE that several people were trapped in their homes.

In Letur, near the Sierra de Segura, thirty people were trapped after the river running through the town burst its banks.

In some places, rescue services used helicopters to lift people from houses and cars to safety.

Storms are forecast to continue through the week until Thursday, according to the country’s weather service.

Spain has experienced similar autumn storms in recent years.

Scientists have warned that increased episodes of extreme weather, like flash floods, or the wildfires seen elsewhere in Europe in the summer, are likely linked to human-driven climate change.

This post appeared first on sky.com