Spanish media say the death toll from widespread floods in the country has reached 158. They say the disaster is the worst of its kind in Spain in more than 50 years.

Floods occurred as record rain drenched the eastern region of Valencia and elsewhere on Tuesday and Wednesday. Vehicles and bridges were swept away.

Local meteorological officials say a year's worth of rain pounded part of the region in just eight hours.

Roads and railways have been severed at many points. The transport minister says it will take months to repair main roads in Valencia and weeks to fix a high-speed train line between Madrid and Valencia.

Military, firefighting and other personnel are continuing their search-and-rescue operations for the missing.