The King of Spain has spoken of his shock at the impact of torrential rain and hurricane winds that have hit parts of Spain.

King Felipe said he was shocked by the devastation which has left at least 62 people dead in the region of Valencia where flash flooding caused widespread devastation and over fifty deaths.

The Spanish king was speaking at his first public engagement since the rains hit.

As the downpour continued to impact the region, authorities said many more people in Valencia and Castilla remained missed as emergency workers reach areas hit by the sudden bad weather.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia had first issued a statement as the rain and winds, known in Spanish as a DANA, began to hit the region, saying that they were ”following, with great concern”. Hours of torrential downpours and high winds hit Valencia as well as other parts of southern and eastern Spain.

They sent their thanks to ”all the emergency services, firefighters, local police, Armed Forces, National Police and Civil Guard for the commendable work they are doing in such difficult conditions.”

Valencia was hit by over a month’s worth of rain in just a matter of hours, with roads turned into rivers and houses overwhelmed by water.

Emergency services pulled thousands to safety as the deluge continued. However, people remain missing and more rain is now impacting the area.

The King and Queen of Spain issued another statement as the impact became clearer, saying they were ”devastated by the latest news about DANA.”

They sent condolences to those who have lost loved ones, adding ”strength, courage and all the necessary support for all those affected.”

And there were more words of support for the authorities trying to rescue those in need and locate all those who remain missing.

Spain’s parliament held a minute’s silence for those killed.