EC activates the Copernicus satellite system, which coordinates the rescue teams
A wave of sympathy and support has been expressed across Europe to Spain over the apocalyptic floods in recent days that have killed at least 140 people.
EC President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU had immediately moved in with help: “We have activated our Copernicus satellite system to help coordinate rescue teams and have already offered to activate our civil protection mechanism.”
A number of countries, including Bulgaria, also offered their help to Spain. “On request for support from the authorities in Madrid immediately
it will be triggered the mechanism for civil protection
“Bulgaria can provide tents, blankets and other essential supplies”, the statement of the Council of Ministers states.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez promised his government would do everything it could to help and urged people to remain vigilant. Sanchez visited Valencia on Thursday, where he instructed residents: “Please stay at home, do not leave your homes,” adding that “the damage is increasing” and the priority was to save as many lives as possible. The Spanish government has declared three days of official mourning.
Spain’s floods are the country’s deadliest since 1973, when about 150 people lost their lives in the southeastern provinces of Granada, Murcia and Almeria. Scientists warn that extreme weather events like the storm that hit Valencia are becoming more intense and frequent because of human-induced climate change.
“That’s it
the dramatic reality of climatic ones changes
And we have to prepare to deal with it,” Von der Leyen also warned. According to the head of the EC, the deadly floods are another reminder that Europe is not prepared for the consequences of global warming.
According to Spanish Territorial Policy Minister Ángel Victor Torres, the damage was “incalculable”, adding: “We still cannot give official figures on the missing people, which underlines the enormous scale of this tragedy”.
Disturbing footage has emerged on social media of the moment floods destroy a bridge in Paiporta. The city is among those completely devastated by the flood, with videos showing people screaming in terror against the backdrop of the bridge collapsing from the oncoming waters.
Guillermo, 21, from Paiporta, told the BBC that
the water is went on the highway
“like a tsunami,” forcing him and his parents to abandon their car and climb onto a bridge to survive. Another witness said that when the drivers on the autobahn realized that a stream of water was heading towards them, they formed a human chain to escape on the road. “Thank God, no one slipped, because if someone had fallen, the current would have dragged them away,” added the 45-year-old Patricia in front of “El Pais”.
Several other towns in Valencia were completely submerged by the water element. Rainfall in the city of Chiva, for example, reached a staggering 491 liters per square meter on Wednesday. According to meteorologists, this amount that the city suffered in just 8 hours is the same amount that Chiwa sees in an entire year.
The intense rain is due to a phenomenon known as gota fria, or “cold drop”. It occurs when cold air moves over the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This leads to atmospheric instability, whereby warm, saturated air rises rapidly and causes heavy rains and thunderstorms. Experts say the warming of the Mediterranean Sea, which increases water evaporation, plays an important role in the heavier downpours.
Scientists say it is key to make Europe’s cities more disaster-resilient. “Our infrastructure is not designed to cope with these levels of flooding,” warned Professor Hayley Fowler, an expert on the impact of climate change.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Climate Expert Dr. Elena Gutierrez
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Gutierrez. Thank you for joining us today. The recent catastrophic floods in Spain have certainly caught the world’s attention. Can you first share your insights on the role that climate change plays in extreme weather events like these?
Dr. Elena Gutierrez: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The devastating floods in Spain highlight a growing trend. Climate change is making weather patterns more unpredictable and extreme. Scientists have observed that events like heavy rainfall and intense storms are occurring more frequently due to human-induced climate change, which warms the atmosphere and increases its capacity to hold moisture. This means that when it rains, it can rain harder and for longer periods, leading to severe flooding.
Time.news Editor: That’s a critical point. We saw that the European Commission activated the Copernicus satellite system to coordinate rescue efforts. How does this technology aid in managing such disasters?
Dr. Elena Gutierrez: The activation of the Copernicus satellite system is crucial for disaster response. It provides real-time data on the extent of the floods, allowing emergency services to assess affected areas more accurately and quickly. This data can help in deploying rescue teams to the right places and in organizing resources effectively. In an emergency, such technology can significantly damage control and save lives.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, timely information is vital. This event has triggered a wave of international support, with countries like Bulgaria offering tents and essential supplies. How important is international cooperation in addressing such humanitarian crises?
Dr. Elena Gutierrez: International cooperation is essential in times of disaster. When a country is overwhelmed, like Spain currently is, the ability to quickly mobilize support from neighboring nations can alleviate pressures on local resources and provide crucial aid. The solidarity shown through offers of assistance not only assists with immediate needs but also strengthens international relationships and cooperation for future climate-related challenges.
Time.news Editor: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has urged residents to stay home while emphasizing the need to save lives. How crucial is public communication during such emergencies?
Dr. Elena Gutierrez: Public communication is paramount in emergencies. Clear and concise messaging helps guide citizens on safety measures, like sheltering in place or evacuating when necessary. In situations where danger is apparent, timely updates can prevent panic and ensure people are informed about rescue efforts and resources available. Ideally, authorities should coordinate preemptive communication to educate citizens about potential risks long before such disasters occur.
Time.news Editor: The flooding in Spain is reportedly the worst the country has seen since 1973. With scientists warning about increasing risks due to climate change, what steps can societies take to better prepare for such events?
Dr. Elena Gutierrez: Societies need to adopt a multifaceted approach to preparedness. This includes investing in resilient infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather, implementing better land-use planning to avoid flood-prone areas, and establishing early warning systems. Additionally, raising public awareness about climate adaptation strategies and involving communities in planning processes is key to building resilience against future disasters.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a comprehensive strategy is needed. As we reflect on this tragedy, what message should we take away regarding the future of climate action in Europe and beyond?
Dr. Elena Gutierrez: The floods are a stark reminder of the immediate impacts of climate change. We need urgent and ambitious climate action both at the governmental level and among individuals. Policymakers must prioritize sustainable practices, reduce emissions, and invest in climate adaptation strategies. Citizens also play a role by advocating for change and making environmentally-conscious choices. The longer we delay, the more intense and frequent these disasters will become.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Gutierrez, for your insightful perspectives. This tragedy indeed calls for both immediate action and a long-term commitment to addressing climate change.
Dr. Elena Gutierrez: It was my pleasure. Let’s hope we can turn this moment into a catalyst for change. Thank you.