Climate Change Intensified Deadly Floods in Iberia and North Africa, Scientists Say
The study, conducted by researchers from the World Weather Attribution group found that rising global temperatures increased both the likelihood and severity of the extreme downpours that inundated communities across the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. The floods killed dozens of people forced thousands from their homes and caused widespread da
mage to roads, bridges and farmland. Emergency services carried out rescues after rivers overflowed and drainage systems were overwhelmed following days of intense rain. Researchers said a warmer atmosphere, which can hold more moisture, contributed to higher rainfall totals during the storm. While heavy winter rains are not unusual in the region, climate change made the event significantly more intense than it would have been in a cooler climate. they said. Southern Europe and the Mediterranean are warming faster than the global average increasing the risk of extreme weather swings, including prolonged droughts followed by short bursts of intense rainfall. Dry compacted soil is less able to absorb sudden downpours, raising the likelihood of flash floods. Authorities in Spain, Portugal and Morocco have pledged to strengthen flood defenses and improve early warning systems as recovery efforts continue. Scientists said the findings underscore the growing role of climate change in driving costly and deadly weather disasters, warning that further warming is likely to increase the frequency and severity of extreme rainfall events. Source: Arab News