2 weeks ago
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Torrential rains in Spain have caused the deadliest flooding in decades, killing at least 205 people, with entire villages swept away by rising waters and severe storms.
Ashifa Kassam and Faisal Ali report for The Guardian.
In short:
- At least 205 people died as storms in Spain brought record rains, turning streets into rivers and destroying homes, bridges and railways, particularly in the Valencia region.
- Known as "gota fría," the severe weather system forms when cold air meets the warm Mediterranean, producing heavy rain and increasing instability that led to flooding and hailstorms.
- The flood alert system faced criticism for delays, with warnings issued too late for many residents who were already trapped by rising floodwaters.
Key quote:
“No doubt about it, these explosive downpours were intensified by climate change.”
— Dr. Friederike Otto, leader of world weather attribution, Imperial College London
Why this matters:
As Mediterranean waters warm, storms like these may grow stronger, increasing the risk of devastating floods across Europe. With delayed alerts and rising temperatures, emergency response systems must adapt to protect communities more effectively from climate-driven weather extremes.
Read more: Spain's devastating floods reveal gaps in regional preparedness
