A British citizen living in Spain has described her harrowing first experience with the severe storm that struck parts of the country, causing fatal flash floods in Valencia.
The storm, which brought with it torrential rains and powerful winds, has left a trail of destruction in its wake, claiming several lives and displacing numerous families.
According to eyewitness accounts, the storm was unlike anything the region had experienced before, with the night sky turning a menacing white as the torrential rains pounded against the earth.
'It was like nothing I've ever seen before,' said Sarah, a British expat who has lived in Spain for several years. 'The sky was this eerie white color, and the rain was coming down in sheets. I was terrified.'
Sarah, who lives in the eastern part of the country, said she was lucky to have escaped the worst of the storm, but many others were not so fortunate.
'I watched in horror as the flash floods swept through the streets, destroying everything in their path,' she said. 'It was like a war zone.'
The Spanish authorities have confirmed that several people have lost their lives in the disaster, with many more injured or displaced.
The government has pledged to provide support to those affected by the storm, but for many, it will be a long and difficult road to recovery.
In the aftermath of the disaster, residents have been left to pick up the pieces and try to make sense of the devastation that has been wrought.
For Sarah and many others, the experience has left a lasting impact, and will be remembered for years to come.
'It's a wake-up call, really,' she said. 'A reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected.'