SURGING WATERS
Horror moment Valencia flash floods wipe out entire bridge in seconds in worst-hit town where 40 have been left dead
Watch the heart-stopping footage below
THIS IS the shocking moment an entire bridge is wiped out in mere seconds by catastrophic floods in Spain.
The horrifying footage was filmed in Paiporta, Valencia, where 40 people were killed in devastating storms that have rocked the country.
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At least 158 people have died so far, with four found in a garage on Thursday morning.
Rescue workers are going door to door fighting to save survivors and recover bodies from the mud.
More are expected to be found dead after torrential rainfall, storms, hail and lightning hit the east and south of the country.
The chilling video captured horrified bystanders screaming as they watched torrents of floodwater wipe away the huge bridge.
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Paiporta's river surged ferociously into the side of the bridge, breaking it clean in half, knocking out the overhead lights and carrying the pieces downstream.
In just three seconds the massive bridge disappears completely from view.
Paiporta has been at the eye of the storm in Spain, with a baby among those killed in the ravaged town.
Hundreds have been trapped in buildings and cars with some climbing trees, waiting for rescue on roofs or being airlifted to safety.
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The town on the outskirts of Valencia is home to just over 20,000 people.
Spain's transport minister today said there are bodies still trapped in cars in and around Valencia following the floods.
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Other heartbreaking footage showed a flooded care home in Paiporta where five OAPs were killed and another reported missing.
Mayor of the town, Maribel Albalat, said on Wednesday: "The currents were so quick – and we called the emergency services who started rescuing some people who had water up to their neck."
Describing it as "a total catastrophe", she added that the death toll is expected to rise: "The victims are going to be in their dozens.
"There were a lot of people in their homes which in Paiporta are single-storey and water has entered them and they haven’t been able to get out."
She tragically described "a lot of people who went to move their cars and never came back".
What caused the floods?
The vicious rainfall began at lunchtime on Tuesday, wreaking havoc from Malaga provinces in the south to Valencia in the east.
Horror footage showed the moment one woman was swept away in flood waters as two men desperately tried to pull her to safety.
A map released by Spain's meteorological agency AEMET showed which regions were hit the worst by the heavy rainfall.
One town near Valencia - Chiva - was pummeled by over a year's worth of rain in only eight hours.
It is the worst flood-related natural disaster to hit Spain in almost 30 years - after flooding in 1996 killed 87.
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The flash floods were caused by meteorological phenomena known as a 'DANA' - meaning 'cold drop'.
It occurred when more warm and moist Mediterranean air than usual was sucked high into the atmosphere after a cold system hit the country from the south.
The easterly wind then pushed clouds and rain into eastern Spain.
Three to four months of rain fell in some places over 24 hours.
Natural disaster
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has said: "Our thoughts go out to those whose homes and possessions have been devastated and whose lives have been covered in mud.
"We are united and we will rebuild your streets and your squares and bridges. Spain will be with you."
Meanwhile, President of the Valencia region Carlos Mazon said in a chilling statement: "There are bodies and bodies continuing to appear in places we hadn’t been able to access before."
Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia said they were devastated by the flooding.
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They said: "Strength, courage and all the necessary support for all those affected.
"Our warmest message and recognition to local and regional authorities and all emergency services, armed forces and state security forces and corps for the titanic work they have been doing from the very beginning."
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