One week on, and the Valencia region of Spain is struggling to recover from unprecedented floods that hit the region causing over 200 deaths and the loss of many livelihoods.

Published 2 weeks ago, updated 4 days ago

Update: 14 November, 2024

As rescuers painstakingly seek for victims of Spain’s deadliest floods in decades in inland towns and fields, they have also started search operations for the dozens still missing along the coast. Several bodies have been discovered washed up on local beaches.

The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued a severe weather advisory on November 12, 2024, warning of heavy rainfall and potential flooding in the Mediterranean and Andalusian coastal regions through November 15. Rainfall is expected to reach 150 mm (5.9 inches) in 24 hours in some areas, only two weeks after previous severe flooding in eastern Spain.

Published 07 November, 2024

Lives and Livelihoods Lost in a Matter of Minutes

One week ago today, in a matter of minutes, unprecedented flash floods caused by heavy downpours in eastern Spain, swept away almost everything in their path. With no time to react and no warning, people were trapped in vehicles, homes and businesses. Many died and thousands of livelihoods have been shattered.

Authorities have recovered over 200 bodies — with the majority in the eastern Valencia region – and police, firefighters and soldiers continue to search for missing people.

Spain’s national weather service said that in the hard-hit locality of Chiva, it rained more in eight hours than it had in the preceding 20 months.

Why Did This Happen?

Scientists believe there are 2 likely connections to human-caused climate change. One is that warmer air holds and then releases more rain. The other is possible changes in the jet stream which causes extreme weather to develop.

DANA is a Spanish acronym for Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos. It translates to ”Isolated Depression at High Altitudes” – more commonly known in Spain as “la gota fría” (the cold drop). A DANA is a type of weather phenomenon in which a “pocket” of cold air in the upper atmosphere separates from the main stream and sweeps over a warmer air mass. This process can result in severe weather, including winds in excess of 100km/hour, heavy rains and flooding.

DANA are becoming more common in Spain – read about the DANA in the Balearics and its devastating effects back in August 2024.

The region continues to recover, but is in a state of catastrophe. Services are extremely limited and great care should be taken with floating debris in the water.

Help those affected by the DANA.

Barcelona

Barcelona experienced severe flooding after over two months’ worth of rain fell over the region in less than three hours on Monday, November 4, 2024, leading to severe floods across the region and causing significant disruption in flights, railways, and other transport services.

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Related News:

More than 200 Killed in Valencia Floods (BBC)

Devastating rainfall hits Spain in yet another flood-related disaster (WMO)

Victims of Valencia Flood (El Pais)

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