More than 250 people are believed to be missing in Spain as the army joined rescue efforts in the aftermath of the worst flash floods to hit the country in decades.

The army has deployed hundreds of soldiers to search for survivors amid the carnage of flooded towns and villages, where people are feared to still be trapped inside wrecked homes and cars.

Three days after the start of the disaster, “dozens and dozens” of people remain missing, government ministers said. Unofficial sources involved in the rescue efforts told El Español that the number of missing is likely to be as high as 250.

The death toll has climbed to 205, rescuers said on Friday, with the number expected to rise as more people are believed missing.

A new red alert has been issued in southern Spain for the province of Huelva on Friday, where residents have been told to stay at home ahead of intense rainfall.