From Valencia in the east to the province of Malaga in the south, a vast arc of Spain was impacted by the flooding.
Along with landslides brought on by the floods, the water also took away cars, derailed a train, and climbed several feet into the lower levels of residences.
Several commuter lines and the high-speed train service between Valencia City and Madrid were both derailed.
On Tuesday night, a British couple in Spain reported seeing “nine or ten” wrecked trucks on a brief section of highway close to Valencia.
One truck driver was reported missing in Valencia’s municipality of L’Alcudia, according to Spanish news agency EFE.
Ricardo Gabaldon, the mayor of Utiel in Valencia, told RTVE that a number of people were stranded in their houses.
Helicopters were employed by law enforcement and rescue agencies to remove individuals from vehicles and residences.
To aid in rescue attempts, the Spanish army sent out an emergency rescue battalion.
Pedro Sanchez, the prime minister of Spain, stated: “I am closely following with concern the reports on missing persons and the damage caused… in recent hours.”
The emergency services should be listened to, he advised, and individuals should “be very careful and avoid unnecessary trips.”
Storms were forecast to continue until Thursday, according to Spain’s national weather service.
Spain has experienced similar autumn storms in recent years.
The country is recovering from a severe drought this year thanks to rainfall.
Scientists say that increased episodes of extreme weather are probably linked to climate change.
