It rained eight hours’ worth in the eastern region of Valencia on Tuesday, destroying bridges and buildings in the area. The water caused havoc by carrying away cars, derailed a train and rose several feet into the lower levels of homes. Locals described seeing people clambering onto the roofs of their cars as a churning tide of brown water gushed through the streets, uprooting trees and dragging away chunks of masonry from buildings. To help with the rescue effort, the Spanish government sent More than 1,000 soldiers to the worst-hit areas and declared three days of mourning for those who died in the extreme conditions. The mayor of Utiel, a town in Spain, described Tuesday as: “the worst day of [his] life”. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain “weeps with” the people who are still searching for family and friends. He told reporters: “Our thoughts go out to those whose homes and possessions have been devastated and whose lives have been covered in mud. “We are united and we will rebuild your streets and your squares and bridges. Mr. Sanchez added: “Spain will be with you.” He said the government and emergency services would be working “24 hours a day as long as the emergency goes on”. Mr. Sanchez said the “devastating event” may not be over, as more storms could be on the way. A British couple in Spain reported seeing “nine or 10” overturned Lorries in a short stretch of motorway near Valencia on Tuesday night. Spanish news agency EFE said that one truck driver was missing in L’Alcudia, a town in Valencia. Also in Valencia, the mayor of Utiel, Ricardo Gabaldon, told RTVE that several people were trapped in their homes. Police and rescue services used helicopters to lift people from homes and cars. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: “I am closely following with concern the reports on missing persons and the damage caused… in recent hours.” He told people to listen to the emergency services and “be very careful and avoid unnecessary trips.” Storms were forecast to continue until Thursday, according to Spain’s national weather service.
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