Gran Canaria, a popular holiday hotspot in the Canary Islands, has been ravaged by catastrophic flooding, which has seen vehicles washed into the ocean.

       Holidaymakers have received direct warnings to remain inside as surging waters pose extreme dangers across the island.

       Dramatic footage circulating online captured a vehicle being dragged dozens of metres out to sea after heavy rain hit the island. Another video depicted a car tumbling in the powerful flood before disappearing down the roadway, lost from view.

       On Monday, Spain's weather body Aemet announced a red alert on Gran Canaria as forecasts predicted severe weather throughout the week. Tenerife, Lanzarote and all other Canary Islands were under a 'pre-alert' for rain on Monday.

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