One dead after torrential rain and flash floods hit Barcelona region

Image source, Reuters Image caption, The downpour caused flooding across Valencia and Catalonia

North-eastern Spain has been hit by torrential rain and flash floods, leaving one person dead and causing widespread disruption across the region.

Spain's national weather agency AEMET issued warnings for heavy rain across eastern regions on Wednesday, including a red alert for Barcelona's coastline.

Rescuers recovered the body of a man on Thursday in Olivella, around 40km (25 miles) west of Barcelona, after his car was swept away by a stream, authorities said.

The deluge has disrupted travel across Catalonia and Valencia, with flights cancelled and roads submerged. Authorities have advised against unnecessary travel, while Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned of "very complicated situations".

Emergency services in Catalonia said they received more than 850 calls related to the downpours and catalogued over 500 incidents.