Enormous storms! Bad situation in vacation regions: Rescuers find the first bodies

Madrid (Spain) - According to media reports, at least 51 people have died in the Mediterranean region of Valencia alone as a result of the severe storms in Spain. This was reported by the Spanish news agency Europapress, citing the regional government in Valencia.

Severe storms with fatalities shake Spain. The photo shows cars in Alora that were swept away by the masses of water.
Severe storms with fatalities shake Spain. The photo shows cars in Alora that were swept away by the masses of water.  © Gregorio Marrero/AP/dpa

"We can confirm that dead bodies have been found", said the Prime Minister of the eastern autonomous community of Valencia, Carlos Mazón (50).

According to a report in the newspaper"El País", six people are also missing in the south-eastern province of Albacete.

According to media reports, the storm warnings now apply to 10 of the country's 17 autonomous communities. In addition to heavy rainfall, there was also hail and strong gusts of wind, according to the weather service Aemet.

Rivers burst their banks, streets, houses and fields were flooded in many places and cars and trees were swept away by the masses of water.

Rescue services are deployed in Albacete after the river burst its banks due to heavy rainfall.
ContentImage.Description   © Víctor Fernández/EUROPA PRESS/dpa

The regions of Andalusia, Murcia and Valencia, which are popular with holidaymakers and border the Mediterranean, were particularly affected.

Original article from 7.13 am, last updated at 10.05 am.