The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has released its first official report on the devastating DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) that struck eastern Spain on October 29, 2024. This preliminary document provides a detailed timeline of warnings and forecasts leading up to the event and details the unprecedented scale of the disaster. With rainfall totals reaching record-breaking levels, this storm has been described as one of the most catastrophic weather events in Spain’s recent history.

An Unprecedented Weather Phenomenon

AEMET’s report highlights the extraordinary nature of the event. In Turís (Valencia), an astounding 185 liters of rain per square meter fell in just one hour. Over six hours, this figure surged to 621 liters—equivalent to the average annual rainfall in Spain. By the end of the day, rainfall totals reached 772 liters in 24 hours, smashing previous national records. These torrential downpours, described by AEMET as ‘historic accumulations,’ far exceeded thresholds used to define torrential rainfall.

This level of intensity, fueled by warm Mediterranean waters almost 4°C above average, created a volatile atmosphere ripe for powerful storms. AEMET’s analysis indicates that these conditions, compounded by climate change, made the rains 12% more intense and twice as likely.

The Chronology of Warnings

AEMET began issuing warnings about the potential for severe weather as early as October 20, nine days before the event. By October 27, the agency released a special advisory, predicting the peak of the DANA for October 29. A red alert—the highest level of warning—was issued on the morning of the 29th, warning that there would be 90 liters of rainfall per square meter in just one hour on Valencia’s southern coast. Additional alerts were issued throughout the day, as rain continued to batter the region.

Despite these efforts, questions remain about the response. The Generalitat Valenciana delayed activating the ES-Alert system, which sends emergency messages to mobile phones, until late in the evening, drawing criticism for its inaction during critical hours.

Catastrophic Impacts

The storm claimed 222 lives, damaged over 30,000 buildings, and destroyed 120,000 vehicles. The economic toll is staggering, with damages running into billions of euros. Turís became the epicenter of the disaster, but the effects rippled across 80 municipalities in Valencia and beyond, impacting provinces such as Albacete, Almería, and Málaga.

🤦🏻 Si vieran estas imágenes sin contexto, ¿qué país pensarían que es? Pues es en Valencia (España), prácticamente un mes después de la DANA. Y parece el tercer mundo. Barro, coches apilados, olor químico… Como país hemos fallado. Esto no es primer mundo.
pic.twitter.com/GfTitY49B7

— Álex Domínguez (@aleex1919) November 25, 2024

One particularly sobering detail from the report is the stark disparity in rainfall. While Turís endured unprecedented downpours, nearby Paiporta, where 45 people died, recorded just five liters of rain.

Comparisons to Historic Floods

AEMET’s report stops short of definitively ranking this DANA among Spain’s worst, noting that further analysis is needed. However, the agency acknowledges that it is likely the most significant flood caused by a DANA in the 21st century, drawing comparisons to historic events in the 1950s and 1980s.

The Science Behind the Storm

The DANA occurred due to a mix of weather patterns, including high-altitude conditions and a strong low-pressure system near the ground. These combined to push moist air from the Mediterranean into eastern Spain, fueling powerful storm systems that brought hours of heavy rain.

AEMET’s Response and the Road Ahead

AEMET has faced scrutiny over its handling of the event, with some officials questioning the clarity of its warnings. The agency’s report meticulously details each forecast and alert issued, highlighting its efforts to communicate the severity of the situation. In the coming weeks, AEMET plans to publish a comprehensive study of the event, providing further insights into its causes and impacts.

As Spain continues to deal with the aftermath, this initial report serves as a sobering reminder of the growing risks posed by extreme weather. For now, AEMET’s findings offer a critical first step in understanding the scope of this tragedy and preparing for the challenges ahead.

Main image: X/ @lauraaceveedoo