Spain is facing its worst flooding disaster in decades, with at least 95 people dead and dozens missing after torrential rains swept the eastern province of Valencia and beyond.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has declared three days of national mourning as the extreme conditions continue. The death toll from Valencia’s floods has reached 92, with two more deaths reported in Castilla-La Mancha and one in Málaga.
The flooding is attributed to a rare weather phenomenon called “gota fria”, which occurs when cold air descends on warmer waters over the Mediterranean. Climate change is also blamed for intensifying the rainfall, making extreme events like this more likely.
Rescue efforts are underway, with the Spanish army and emergency crews working to save those stranded by the floods. However, some have criticized the government’s response, saying that disaster relief authorities were too slow to act with warnings, leaving people stranded on roads or seeking higher ground.
The European Union has activated its Copernicus satellite system to help coordinate rescue teams, while other European neighbours offer reinforcements. The downpour is expected to continue moving north-east towards Catalonia, with weather warnings issued across the country.
Sánchez told victims that “the whole of Spain weeps with you” and pledged a full recovery. Scientists say that global warming is causing more extreme rainfall events like this one, making it essential for governments to make steep cuts in emissions to mitigate climate change.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c99ry7x925eo