Spain is reeling from one of the deadliest floods in its modern history, with torrential rains claiming at least 217 lives as search efforts continue. Yet, in the heart of the devastation, stories of remarkable rescues have surfaced, showcasing the resilience and bravery of both victims and first responders.

In Benetússer, a town in Valencia, a dramatic moment unfolded as emergency services discovered a woman trapped in her car within an underpass for 72 hours. Her vehicle had been swept up and buried under a chaotic pile of cars when floods surged through the region. Martín Pérez, head of Valencia’s civil protection service, recounted the discovery with amazement: “After three days, we found someone alive in their car.” The woman’s rescue was celebrated as a rare glimmer of hope amidst widespread tragedy.

Her ordeal ended when nearby emergency workers heard faint cries for help and located her vehicle entangled in debris. After hours of painstaking work to clear the path, the woman was freed and immediately transported to a hospital for further treatment.

Other stories of survival have emerged, painting a portrait of courage against overwhelming odds. In Albal, a man was seen on video clinging desperately to a building ledge, one foot precariously balanced on a submerged car as the floodwaters surged beneath him. Neighbors on a balcony quickly fashioned a makeshift rope from bed sheets and pulled him to safety, embracing him tightly once he was secured.

In Paiporta, the floods struck swiftly as English teacher Daniel Burguet faced a dire situation. With three children and his own daughter still in the classroom as the water rose, he acted quickly. The sound of glass shattering echoed through the academy as floodwaters burst through, but Burguet used a table leg to smash through the classroom’s glass door, creating an escape route. Video footage captured him ferrying children and colleagues to safety, even as the floodwaters climbed nearly to the roof.

Despite being hailed as a hero, Burguet downplayed his actions. “The only thing I was thinking about was my survival and saving the people inside,” he told local media.

These stories of rescue and heroism highlight not only the severity of Spain’s flooding but also the profound strength and unity displayed by those who refuse to give in, even when faced with nature’s most formidable forces.