Spain - October 2024

As of 31 October, severe flooding in southern and eastern Spain had resulted in the deaths of 158 people. Experts pointed to poor urban planning and outdated infrastructure, which allowed settlement in high-risk areas, as major contributing factors. According to climate experts, climate change exacerbated the storms, leading to flash flooding after prolonged droughts that left the ground unable to absorb the water. The Defense Ministry deployed the military to facilitate rescue operations, and in Valencia, Spain’s third most populous city, the local government reported a large number of citizens’ solidarity initiatives. Regional authorities were criticised for delayed and inadequate warnings, as well as a lack of clear instructions for those at risk, leading to discussions about augmenting risk preparedness and emergency coordination. 

Sources: El Pais, France24, BBC, Politico, Generalitat Valenciana