Three people have been confirmed dead and at least three are missing as heavy rainfall caused flooding in central Spain.

One victim was found trapped in a lift, while a second was found in a flooded car. A 50-year-old man was also confirmed dead after being reported missing.

One of the three people missing is an 84-year-old man who was dragged away by the water in Villamanta.

Bridges have collapsed in the city of Aldea del Fresno, and water has swept away cars. Roads have also been closed as well as trains and subways affected by the floods.

Spanish residents received emergency text messages urging them to stay home and not use their vehicles. It was the first time this emergency system has been used.

The rain began on Sunday and continued into Monday morning where 90 litres of water per square metre fell.

Madrid’s emergency services responded to over 1200 incidents on Monday night.

Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, urged people to “continue to behave with caution” while thanking emergency services for their work.

Spain’s rainfall has been sparse the past 3 years with some regions enforcing water restrictions.

Photo: Flood sign by Howard Lake available HERE and used under a Creative Commons license. This image has not been modified.