Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says at least 211 people have died so far in devastating floods in eastern Spain. Authorities are continuing their search and rescue operations.

In a televised address on Saturday, Sanchez stressed his intention to accelerate the search for the missing in the areas affected by record-breaking downpours from Tuesday through Wednesday.

He said he had ordered an additional 10,000 people deployed from the military, police and other forces.

The heavy rains that flooded the region of Valencia and elsewhere caused serious damage. Many vehicles and some bridges were swept away.

In Paiporta in Valencia, where more than 60 people have so far died, many places are covered with muddy water, debris, and earth and sand. A number of cars were buried in mud and piled up on the roads.

Residents were seen clearing mud from their houses and stores and carrying out their belongings.

Many volunteers have come on foot carrying buckets and shovels to help cleanup efforts.

Parts of the affected areas remain without power, and rail and road networks have been cut off in many locations.