Spain’s floods a climate catastrophy
By Lara Zofio Lleo
Special to The Times Kuwait
Spain recently was devastated by catastrophic flooding, primarily in the autonomous community of Valencia, which also affected other regions, leaving the nation in mourning with over 200 confirmed deaths and at least 89 people missing, with a possibility of rise in toll even though search efforts continued.
The floods, which overwhelmed waterways across various areas, were triggered by a meteorological phenomenon known as DANA. The phenomenon began on October 28, although the worst consequences occurred in Valencia on September 29, where smaller towns near the city were hit with torrents of water inundating the villages.
The autonomous communities affected by the DANA were Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia, the Balearic Islands, Catalonia and Aragon, where in some areas, rainfall had exceeded 600 litres per square metre, in just a few hours.
What happened in Valencia?
Spain’s meteorological agency, Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET), had first issued a warning about the DANA on September 23, which was followed by a red alert for northern areas of Valencia on the morning of the 29th, cautioning people about the danger and advising them against travel.
The Hydrographic Confederation, the Confederación Hidrográfica del Júcar, had also reported about the rising water levels in various waterways. However, it was not until the afternoon, after 8:00 pm, that the Valencia government’s Emergency Coordination Center had sent an Es-Alert SMS to inform residents throughout the province. By that time, many communities had already suffered extensive flooding, with citizens caught off guard by the sudden surge of water.
After the tragedy, widespread frustration among residents due to the slow and inadequate response from authorities had led to protests in various parts of the country. Many believe that the delayed actions of government officials significantly contributed to the devastating consequences.
On the other hand, the catastrophe also sparked a strong wave of solidarity throughout Spain, with citizens from neighboring regions and beyond coming together to support those affected. Volunteers had helped clear debris, deliver food and essential supplies, and joined search efforts to locate the missing, demonstrating a profound sense of unity and resilience in the face of disaster.
Current situation
The Spanish government has approved emergency relief funds for the affected areas, as announced by the President Pedro Sánchez on Tuesday, November 5.
The DANA has now moved northward toward Catalonia, where it currently remains, after leaving record-breaking rainfall in Valencia.
To illustrate the unusual nature of this phenomenon, according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), on October 29 and 30 alone, a weather station in the Municipality of Chiva, had recorded 491 l/m² in just eight hours; equivalent of a full year’s rainfall. These astonishing levels devastated infrastructure, leaving widespread destruction in their wake, along with irreparable human losses.
What is a DANA?
DANA, or ‘Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos’ (Isolated Depression in High Levels), occurs when a mass of extremely cold polar air becomes trapped at altitudes between 5,000 and 9,000 meters, away from atmospheric circulation.
Upon encountering the warmer, moisture-laden air of the Mediterranean, intense storms are produced. Experts caution that climate change could increase the frequency and severity of such events.
