Heavy rain and flooding hit eastern Spain on March 6, forcing authorities to evacuate schools and close roads in the regions of Murcia, Valencia and Catalonia. The state meteorological agency Aemet issued orange warnings for coastal areas.
Four months after deadly floods in Valencia that killed more than 220 people, new torrential rains are once again causing serious concern among Spaniards.
Local television La 7 broadcast footage showing a car being swept away by the rising waters of the Lorca River in Murcia. Firefighters managed to rescue a woman trapped in the car. In another rescue operation, a man was pulled out by tractor after being trapped in his farm, La Sexta reported.
Although there have been no reports of casualties in the recent floods, one person died earlier this week after being swept away by the waters into a flooded ravine.
"There were no indications that the rainfall would be so intense and prolonged", said the president of the Murcia region, Fernando López Miras. "Rivers are filling up, streets are flooding and the rain is relentless."
According to Aemet, in some areas more than 120 liters per square meter fell in 12 hours - more than expected for the entire spring season.
Meteorologists are warning that a new front coming from the west will bring more rain over the weekend. Authorities are urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors until the storms pass.