Element in Valencia: the flood became the biggest disaster in years
30 october 2024 в 23:37
Located south of Barcelona along the Mediterranean coast, the city of Valencia recently faced the most devastating natural disaster in recent years. This popular tourist destination is known for its beaches, citrus orchards, and as the birthplace of the iconic rice dish paella.
Here’s everything you need to know about the situation in Spain.
Strong storms on Tuesday caused severe flooding in southern and eastern parts of Spain, a phenomenon locally known as DANA (acronym for isolated high-level depression).
Meteorologists reported that some areas of Valencia received in eight hours the amount of rainfall equivalent to the annual level, leading to significant damage on farms in the region, which produces almost two-thirds of the citrus fruits in Spain.
Spain is still recovering from a severe drought and has experienced record high temperatures in recent years. Scientists suggest that the increase in frequency of extreme weather events is likely linked to climate change, as prolonged dry conditions make it harder for the land to absorb large volumes of water.
At least 95 people have died as a result of the floods in Spain in the eastern Valencia region and surrounding areas, authorities reported. The death toll may rise as some people remain missing.
Over 1,000 emergency service soldiers from Spain have been deployed to the affected areas, and the central government has set up a crisis committee to coordinate rescue efforts. However, these efforts are hindered by power line breaks, power outages, collapsed phone networks, and impassable roads. Emergency services in Valencia are urging citizens to avoid traveling on roads and to follow official information.
Carlos Mazon, the regional leader of Valencia, stated at a press conference that some people remain isolated in inaccessible areas. «If [emergency services] have not arrived, it is not due to a lack of resources or readiness, but due to access issues», - Mazon explained.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez assured the affected individuals that they will not be left to their own devices, saying: «For those looking for their loved ones, all of Spain shares your pain. Our priority is to help you. We are taking all necessary measures to overcome this tragedy».
However, he warned that the danger is not yet over, despite the rain in Valencia calming down by late Wednesday morning, as the storm continues to move north. «We must remain vigilant, because the weather front is still striking, and we cannot say that this devastating event is over».
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU will help coordinate rescue groups using its Copernicus geospatial monitoring system
Here’s everything you need to know about the situation in Spain.
Strong storms on Tuesday caused severe flooding in southern and eastern parts of Spain, a phenomenon locally known as DANA (acronym for isolated high-level depression).
Meteorologists reported that some areas of Valencia received in eight hours the amount of rainfall equivalent to the annual level, leading to significant damage on farms in the region, which produces almost two-thirds of the citrus fruits in Spain.
Spain is still recovering from a severe drought and has experienced record high temperatures in recent years. Scientists suggest that the increase in frequency of extreme weather events is likely linked to climate change, as prolonged dry conditions make it harder for the land to absorb large volumes of water.
At least 95 people have died as a result of the floods in Spain in the eastern Valencia region and surrounding areas, authorities reported. The death toll may rise as some people remain missing.
Over 1,000 emergency service soldiers from Spain have been deployed to the affected areas, and the central government has set up a crisis committee to coordinate rescue efforts. However, these efforts are hindered by power line breaks, power outages, collapsed phone networks, and impassable roads. Emergency services in Valencia are urging citizens to avoid traveling on roads and to follow official information.
Carlos Mazon, the regional leader of Valencia, stated at a press conference that some people remain isolated in inaccessible areas. «If [emergency services] have not arrived, it is not due to a lack of resources or readiness, but due to access issues», - Mazon explained.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez assured the affected individuals that they will not be left to their own devices, saying: «For those looking for their loved ones, all of Spain shares your pain. Our priority is to help you. We are taking all necessary measures to overcome this tragedy».
However, he warned that the danger is not yet over, despite the rain in Valencia calming down by late Wednesday morning, as the storm continues to move north. «We must remain vigilant, because the weather front is still striking, and we cannot say that this devastating event is over».
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU will help coordinate rescue groups using its Copernicus geospatial monitoring system
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
