What's happened
Severe flash floods in eastern Spain have resulted in over 200 fatalities and widespread destruction. The village of Chiva experienced unprecedented rainfall, leading to a torrent that overwhelmed homes and infrastructure. Survivors recount harrowing experiences as they navigate the aftermath of this natural disaster.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The New York Times, the floods in Chiva were unprecedented, with locals stating, 'Nothing like this has ever happened before.' The Independent reported on the harrowing experiences of residents like Cuevas, who described the terrifying waves and the community's efforts to rescue neighbors. Both sources emphasize the role of climate change in exacerbating such extreme weather events, with locals questioning the adequacy of government warnings during the disaster.
How we got here
The floods occurred on November 2-3, 2024, when nearly 20 inches of rain fell in just eight hours, an amount typically seen over an entire year. This extreme weather event has raised concerns about the impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of such disasters.
More on these topics
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Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southwestern Europe with some pockets of territory across the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean. Its continental European territory is situated on the Iberian Peninsula.
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Chiva or CHIVA may refer to:
CHIVA (charity), the Children's HIV Association, UK and Ireland
Chiva, Armenia, a village in Armenia
Chiva, Valencia, a municipality in Spain
Chiva bus, a decorated Colombian rural bus
CHIVA method, a type of surgery used...