Madrid, Oct 30 (IANS): At least 51 people have died in flash floods in the Spanish province of Valencia as torrential rains continue to ravage the country's eastern and southern coasts.

Since the authorities declared a red alert for torrential rains on Tuesday, several people have been missing in heavy flooding that has swept away vehicles and disrupted rail services, Xinhua news agency reported quoting state broadcaster TVE on Wednesday.

Six people were reported missing in the town of Letur, close to Valencia in Albacete. In Valencia, the search is on for two Civil Guard police officers and a truck driver who have gone missing.

The Spanish government set up a crisis committee on Wednesday to assess the damage caused as rescuers continue to search for victims.

At the opening of the Spanish Congress on Wednesday morning, Francina Armengol, the Parliament Speaker, called for a minute's silence for the victims of the flash floods.