Torrential rain hit eastern Spain and left at least four people dead, authorities said on Monday. Streets filled with water, and many people had to stay indoors. In parts of the Valencia region, up to 700 litres of rain per square metre fell in 24 hours.

The water swept away parked cars, covered roads and left some residents cut off. Emergency crews carried out more than 400 rescues by land and air, and some people were airlifted out.

Two of the deaths occurred in the resort of Oliva, and a third in the same region. A fourth person died in Catalonia after falling into a swollen stream.

Scientists say climate change is making the autumn storms that hit the Mediterranean coast more intense.