Torrential rains brought devastation to communities in eastern Spain as flash floods swept away buildings, destroyed bridges and piled debris in streets.

Dozens of people have died and the authorities warn others could be trapped or missing. Cars were washed down streets and stacked on top of each other in the town of Sedav铆, near Valencia, after up to a year's worth of rain fell in a few hours.

People have been forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge with friends and family or in emergency shelters.

Rail services have been suspended between Madrid and Valencia after tracks were littered with vehicles or rubbish, damaged or completely destroyed.

Emergency workers have helped rescue the injured and elderly from flooded homes. Some areas could only be reached by helicopter after roads were blocked by mud and debris and the government has deployed hundreds of soldiers to help with the rescue effort.

Communities are counting the cost of the devastation and starting to clean up and remove mud and water from homes, shops and streets.

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