Madrid, Spain | AFP
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday warned that Spain must adapt to “a completely new climate reality” following deadly floods that forced thousands to flee their homes.
Spain is on the front line of climate change in Europe, facing longer heatwaves and more frequent heavy rainfall — epitomised by the October 2024 floods that killed more than 230 people.
“It is important that we are united in our diagnosis and in anticipating the responses we can provide when these highly adverse weather effects occur,” Sanchez said during a visit to Huetor Tajar, a town in the southern region of Andalusia hit hard by flooding last week.
The Socialist premier reiterated his call for a broad climate agreement to coordinate responses at institutional, economic and social levels, saying conditions in Spain have clearly changed.
“That requires resources, but it also requires adaptation to a completely new climate reality that often exceeds scientific forecasts and demands joint work from all levels of government,” he added.
Since January, Spain has been hit by seven storms. Last week, exceptional rainfall from Storm Leonardo triggered floods and swelled rivers and reservoirs.
The storm left two people dead in Spain and one in neighbouring Portugal.
More than 6,400 people remained displaced on Monday, down from a peak of over 11,000, according to Andalusian regional authorities.
A new storm, Marta, has been affecting the Iberian Peninsula since Saturday, killing a firefighter in Portugal and a road maintenance worker in Spain.
“We must all remain on alert. Complicated days are ahead,” Sanchez said.
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