Emergency crews reached the woman, who had been trapped in her wooden house in the town of Utiel with her dog and multiple cats in the nick of time as floodwaters rose above her waist.
Javier Ballesteros, a bystander who captured the harrowing scene on video, shared that the woman had been desperately holding onto her pets while calling for help. However, emergency lines were overwhelmed with similar calls.
“Incredible rescue”
Javier posted the footage on social media. He said: “We managed to get the helicopter to rescue this woman in Utiel with her cats and dog. Incredible rescue.”
He later confirmed that all were safe, much to the relief of his followers.
The heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc across southeastern Spain, leaving at least 51 dead, with widespread devastation and countless rescue operations underway.
Residents and pets stranded
In neighbouring Chiva, a year’s worth of rainfall fell in just eight hours, stranding residents and pets alike.
More than 1,000 troops have been deployed for rescue and recovery, while authorities urge residents to remain off the roads as the area remains in a state of emergency.
We hope more residents and their beloved pets can find safety as this woman did.
Watch the dramatic rescue:
