At least seven people, including two children, have died after heavy rains triggered flash floods in southern Spain, officials have said.

The strength of the waters overturned cars, closed roads, damaged homes and forced hundreds to leave their properties.

The torrential rains came after months of drought and high temperatures, which triggered wildfires.

The hardest hit areas now are the provinces of Malaga and Almeria, and Murcia region.

At least 600 people had to be evacuated from their homes in Andalucia region, which contains Malaga and Almeria, officials said.

Spain's weather agency said that up to 245 litres (65 gallons) of water per square metre had fallen on Friday morning alone.

Weather forecasts say torrential rain and violent thunderstorms will continue in the south of the country during the weekend.