Expert Warns of Intensifying Storms Due to Global Warming in Spain
A leading Spanish climate expert has warned that global warming could significantly increase the likelihood of “very intense and dangerous” storms, similar to those that have recently devastated parts of eastern and southeastern Spain.
“This phenomenon has always existed, but with global warming, the higher amount of water vapor evaporating from the Mediterranean may lead to future events that are very intense and very dangerous,” said Javier Martin-Vide, a climate specialist and professor of physical geography at Barcelona University.
The recent catastrophic flooding in the regions of Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Andalusia, triggered by a storm phenomenon known as Isolated Depression at High Levels (DANA), has already claimed the lives of more than 200 people, with hundreds still missing.
“DANA storms aren’t like typhoons or hurricanes, which have predictable trajectories,” Martin-Vide explained. “They carry a degree of uncertainty or randomness regarding where they may strike with maximum intensity.”
Residents across the affected regions have been grappling with unprecedented flooding, leading to widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands. Emergency services have been working around the clock to rescue those trapped and locate the missing.
Experts say that the combination of rising sea temperatures and changing atmospheric conditions contributes to the formation of these unpredictable and severe weather events. “The Mediterranean is warming, and that extra heat provides more energy for storms,” Martin-Vide added.
The Spanish government has declared a state of emergency in the hardest-hit areas and is calling for increased efforts to combat climate change. “We are facing a new reality where such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent,” a government spokesperson said. “It’s imperative that we take immediate action to mitigate the impacts of climate change.”
Communities are urged to stay informed and heed warnings from meteorological agencies. As recovery efforts continue, attention is turning towards long-term strategies to strengthen resilience against future storms.
Reference(s):
Global warming could increase likelihood of intense storms: expert
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