Fears are growing for a number of British expats and local residents who remain unaccounted for following the devastating wildfire that swept through parts of Almeria this week.
With the number of missing people standing at around 23, desperate relatives have taken to social media in the hope of finding loved ones.
One appeal concerns Ana Sims and Pedro Rodriguez, a couple from Bedar who friends say have not been heard from despite extensive searches.
‘We have tried all the emergency numbers, all the drop-in centres and their daughter is in contact with the police and still no news,’ one friend wrote.
‘Their daughter is going out of her mind with worry. Ana and Pedro are so loved by family and friends. We all want you both safe and home.’
Another family is searching for Pete and Fran Gillam, who were last heard from on Thursday evening as they evacuated because of the advancing wildfire.
‘My mum texted yesterday at 18:53 to say they were evacuating due to the wildfires. None of our messages or calls since have been successful,’ their daughter wrote on Friday.
She said the Guardia Civil had been notified and that the couple had not registered at evacuation centres in Garrucha, Los Gallardos or Pozo.
‘We know they are not in Lubrin,’ she added, urging anyone with information to come forward.
In a separate appeal, the Mojacar Area Cancer Support (MACS) charity is asking for help locating Annette Kilgour, whose family say they have also been unable to contact her.
The charity has circulated a recent photograph of Annette and urged anyone who has seen or spoken to her to contact them immediately.
The appeals come as emergency crews continue searching areas affected by the fire, while families anxiously await news.
Authorities have so far confirmed 12 deaths, while 23 people remain unaccounted for, although officials have stressed that the missing figure may include people who are safe but have not yet been able to contact relatives or emergency services.
Anyone with information about missing people is urged to contact the Guardia Civil or local emergency services immediately.
