Two people have been rescued after becoming stranded by flash floods that swept cars through the streets of Madrigueras in Castilla-La Mancha.

A violent cloudburst struck the town in Albacete province at around 6pm on Friday, sending torrents of water through its lower-lying neighbourhoods.

Floodwater reached approximately half a metre in places, dragging away vehicles and inundating garages, basements and ground-floor properties.

One person became trapped in a tree and another sought refuge on top of a fountain as the water surged through the town.

The Guardia Civil said both were unharmed and emergency teams were working to bring them to safety.

No injuries or missing people had been reported as of Friday evening, although authorities warned of extensive material damage.

The Castilla-La Mancha 112 service received more than 100 calls from residents as the storm overwhelmed parts of Madrigueras.

An ES-Alert emergency warning was sent to mobile phones across the area between Madrigueras, Casas Ibañez and Motilla del Palancar.

More than 20 Guardia Civil officers were deployed alongside firefighters from several stations and Civil Protection volunteers.

The force’s specialist underwater unit was also placed on standby in case further rescue operations became necessary.

Access to Madrigueras remained difficult on Friday evening after pools of water forced authorities to close three roads.

The CM-322, CM-316 and AB-105 were all shut to traffic.

Authorities urged drivers not to attempt to cross flooded roads or areas where the depth and strength of the water could not be determined.

The Manchuela district of Albacete and the rest of Castilla-La Mancha had been placed under yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms.

The regional government had also activated its adverse-weather emergency plan, METEOCAM, at operational situation level zero before the most serious flooding occurred.