AT least 90 people have been killed including a British pensioner by flash flooding in Spain.
Survivors were left trapped and terrified with water up to their necks after the heavens opened, producing a year's worth of rain in eight hours.
The Valencia region, popular with British holidaymakers, was the worst hit with towns ravaged by the deadliest Spanish floods in decades.
It is feared the death toll will rise as emergency services continue to find bodies while they search for dozens of missing people with drones.
The British victim, a 71-year-old expat, was rescued from his home on the outskirts of Alhaurin de la Torre.
But he died in hospital after suffering from hypothermia and several cardiac arrests.
In an emotional television address, Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez urged the public "not to let their guard down" as the deluge was not over and the rain now threatened Catalonia.
Promising not to abandon them, he said: "For those who are still looking for their loved ones, the whole of Spain weeps with you," Three days of mourning will begin from today, it was announced.
Dozens of people, including several children, were killed in the Valencia region by the torrent that was accompanied by tornadoes and giant hailstones.
Hundreds were forced to sleep in the local airport after flights were cancelled when the runway was submerged.
This story is from the October 31, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 31, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Far-right set for Austrian power talks
FAR-RIGHT Herbert Kickl could be on the verge of power in Austria ahead of a meeting with President Alexander van der Bellen.
PAID LEAVE FOR ABUSE VICTIMS...
MPs to debate plans to support survivors
ARTETA IS GAB FAB FOR GOALS
Transfer window open but Gunners boss is happy with his firepower...
Lack of pace is a running theme at a club suffering from woeful recruitment
LIVERPOOL Manchester United is one of football's great redletter fixtures but I can't recall a bigger divide between the teams.
SLUMP IS MY FAULT
Pep: Blame me for the drop in results... I should have found a way to lift my struggling players
Lou Macari... an angel in Stoke and part of the last United side to be relegated
STOKE & UNITED LEGEND LOU MACARI
Jones says Tara to her former career
STAR SWAPS BALL FOR A WHISTLE!
EVEN THE CROWN PRINCE OF BAHRAIN IS A HUGE FAN
AFTER reaching the PDC World Championship final on his debut 12 months ago, Littler's magic touch spread immediately to the Persian Gulf and charmed the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain.
'Zombie knife' horror on Coronation Street
Mason plot highlights UK stabbing epidemic
1 in 4 Grenfell fire heroes hit by long-term sickness
THE impact of toxic smoke on the Grenfell Tower fire crews could be monitored after a report found a quarter suffered long-term health problems, a minister suggested.