Residents of Valencia awoke Thursday to scenes of devastation after catastrophic flash floods claimed at least 155 lives and destroyed villages.
The death toll may rise as search efforts continue for those still missing. This disaster is the worst Spain has faced this century, resembling the aftermath of a hurricane or tsunami.
Wrecked vehicles littered highways, and many streets were buried under mud as Spanish military personnel assisted in the cleanup. Over a thousand soldiers joined local emergency workers to search for bodies and survivors.
Thousands are without water and electricity, and many areas remain isolated due to blocked roads and disrupted train lines. Spain’s government has declared three days of mourning starting Thursday.