The family of six were safely removed from their Alicante home by the Spanish military after watching water levels rapidly rising for eight hours.
Paul Spencer, from Doncaster, described how his family’s basement quickly became filled with water, as conditions outside worsened.
Speaking to the Olive Press, he said: “Cars were streaming past, along with furniture, suitcases and even two people who tried to cross the road. They just got swept away.”
Meanwhile, in Granada four people have been reported dead since the extreme storm took hold.
Rescue workers reported at least one death as mud and water engulfed the A-92 highway in Jámula, sweeping a car and its driver along.
Another car was trapped inside a tunnel in Almería as the violent downpour flooded the tunnel in minutes.
By Thursday Ontinyent’s Mayor Jorge Rodríguez declared the town’s heaviest rainfall on record, with a reported 400m by the afternoon.
Valencia’s River Clariano burst its banks after rising nine metres in just two hours.
Further fatalities were announced on Saturday, when a man and woman were killed as floodwaters in Castilla La Mancha upended their car.
Initially thought to be a couple, it was soon discovered that the man and woman, of 61 and 51-years-old respectively, were siblings.
Spain’s meteorological agency (AEMET) issued an “extreme risk” weather warning last week, following the arrival of the cold snap which has brought some of the worst flooding Spain has experienced in recent years.
A tornado then swept across the Balearic Islands, bringing chaos and tragedy to the country’s north-eastern coast.
Travellers were warned take caution when travelling to the region, with Murcia, Algeria, Valencia and Alicante the worst affected.
The UK Foreign Office posted an update to their website, stating: “Spain’s meteorological office (AEMET) has issued an ‘extreme risk’ weather warning for the regions of Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, Almeria and Balearic Islands due to torrential rain.
“If you are in these areas you should exercise extreme caution and follow the advice of the local authorities.”
British holidaymakers headed for Spain faced long delays and flight cancellations last week, as Ibiza, Algeria and Murcia airports closed their doors. All have since reopened, however Spanish authorities advise those flying to look out for relevant updates.
On Friday acting Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, extended his support to the nation. He tweeted: “A difficult and intense night.
“Some areas remain on alert amid torrential rains.
“All my love to the families of those who have died and to all those affected by the weather.
“Let’s step up the precautions.”
Moving into the coming week the worst appears to be over.
Dry, sunny spells and temperatures of up to 26 degrees are expected in Murcia according to the Met Office at the time of writing.
Meanwhile Valencia and Alicante are set for a dry week with highs of 24 degrees.
