At least four dead in flooding across eastern Spain
Heavy rain has caused severe flooding on Spain's eastern Mediterranean coast, mainly in the Valencia and Alicante regions, killing at least four people. Rescuers have saved more than 450 people trapped by rising water.
At least four people have died and hundreds have been forced from their homes after heavy rain and flooding in eastern Spain. The worst-hit areas are the Valencia and Alicante regions on the country's Mediterranean coast. The event carries added weight because the Valencia region suffered a devastating flood almost two years ago that killed more than 220 people.
Victims
In the town of Oliva, two people were found dead on Monday: a 79-year-old woman at her home and a man who died of a heart attack at a campsite. In Sagunto, a man drowned while swimming at the beach, and in Catalonia a woman died after falling into a stream swollen by rain.
Rescue efforts
Emergency services have rescued more than 450 people stranded by the rising water. Some were lifted by helicopter from rooftops, flooded buildings and vehicles, while others were taken to safety by boat. Roads were underwater on Monday, and residents of Daimuz used buckets to bail water out of their homes.
Restrictions and government response
Authorities imposed emergency restrictions in several municipalities and asked residents to stay indoors. Most of those restrictions have since been lifted. The Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, including Mallorca and Ibiza, were also affected, with schools closed and some flights cancelled or delayed.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said military emergency teams were helping with rescue work and promised the government's full support.
