At least 51 people have been killed after torrential rains caused flash flooding in southern and eastern Spain, local authorities said Wednesday.
The toll makes this the worst natural disaster in the country's recent history and was confirmed by emergency services in the eastern region of Valencia, which said it was only an initial assessment.
Authorities had advised citizens to stay at home and avoid non-essential travel as heavy rains poured onto the worst-affected towns, sweeping away cars and disrupting public transport.
Organizations:
Authorities
Locations:
Spain, Valencia