Deadly flooding in Valencia has killed at least 51 people

Spanish authorities said on Wednesday that 51 people had died in flash floods that washed away cars, turned village streets into rivers and disrupted railway lines and motorways.

Emergency services in the eastern region of Valencia confirmed the death toll.

Rain on Tuesday caused flooding in southern and eastern Spain.

A high-speed train with nearly 300 people on board derailed near Malaga, although railway authorities said no one was injured. The high-speed train service between Valencia and Madrid was suspended, as were several suburban lines.

Streams of muddy water threw vehicles through the streets at breakneck speed.

Pieces of wood circled together with household items.

Police and emergency services used helicopters to lift people from their homes and cars.

More than 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency response units were sent to the devastated areas.

Spain’s central government has set up a crisis committee to coordinate rescue efforts.

The storms will continue until Thursday, according to Spain’s national meteorological service.

Spain experienced similar autumn storms in recent years.

It is still recovering from a severe drought earlier this year. Scientists say the increase in extreme weather episodes is likely due to climate change.