The number of people killed in flash floods in Spain has risen to just over 200.

Hundreds of volunteers are still finding dead bodies in stranded cars after the water destroyed homes and infrastructure.

David Dribo is one of thousands taking part in relief effort.

“It’s an absolute mess,” he said.

“There are still cars all over the area, they’re still finding bodies.

“People [are] still lacking water, there’s still around 20,000 people who are also lacking in electricity.”

A man reacts in front of houses affected by floods in Utiel, Spain, 30-10-2024. Image: AP Photo/Manu Fernandez/Alamy

Authorities in the worst-hit region of Valencia have deployed a further 500 soldiers to help with the crisis.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said his government will use all means necessary to help flood victims - but residents in many of the worst affected areas have been critical at the slow pace the emergency services have acted.

Climate change

Climate scientist in Barcelona Antonio Turiel said ‘a lot of changes’ need to be made.

“If we want to stop this, we need to make a lot of changes,” he said.

“We need to make a lot of changes – and in particular, we need to not build in places that can be flooded.

“We all know that we should stop with oil, we should stop emitting carbon dioxide – but the consequences of doing this are very tight from an economic point of view.”

Meanwhile, storm warnings have been issued on the Balearic Islands off the East coast of Spain.