Why the streets of Spain are looking like an apocalypse? 

The devastating floods in eastern Spain left streets looking apocalyptic in a scenario characterized by extensive damage and loss of human life, beyond the ravaging impact on life and infrastructure. On 29 October 2024, extreme flash floods caused torrential rainfall had swept away parts of eastern Spain primarily in the province of Valencia.

The storms that struck the Magro and Turia river basins created massive walls of water that overflowed their banks, catching many people off guard on Tuesday evening and early Wednesday. In an instant, muddy water flooded roads and railways, invading homes and businesses in towns near Valencia.

Towns like Chiva experienced almost 20 inches of rain, an amount typically received over a year. It has been considered as one of the deadliest weather events in the country’s modern history. More than 200 people died due to this, while 213 of them were killed in the eastern Valencia region as per AP. This disaster is enormous and unprecedented compared to those floods that had historically battered the region.

After the tragedy, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez promised to bolster efforts at recovery by mobilizing 10,000 soldiers and police officers to be dispatched to assist in rescue work. However, many were dismayed at the belated action of the authorities. Storm warnings were given out far too late for those who were already trapped inside their houses or cars when the rains came. Local authorities have also been criticized for not informing the public in time and with sufficient urgency about the crisis.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, extreme weather events leading to significant floods and droughts have become increasingly likely and severe due to human-induced climate change. This trend has been confirmed by a series of repeated events across the globe.

“As a result of rising temperatures, the hydrological cycle has accelerated. It has also become more erratic and unpredictable, and we are facing growing problems of either too much or too little water. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture which is conducive to heavy rainfall,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

Present streets in Spain are a haunting reminder of the fury of nature and the underlying issues relating to climate change.