Severe Rainfall Claims Lives in Southern Spain
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Synopsis
On March 19, torrential rains from storm Laurence have resulted in the deaths of a couple in southern Spain, with one person still unaccounted for. Emergency measures have been enacted in the regions of Seville, Cordoba, and Malaga due to severe flooding.
Key Takeaways
- A couple confirmed deceased in Seville.
- One individual missing near Cordoba.
- Severe flooding alerts in multiple provinces.
- Storm Laurence brings unprecedented rainfall.
- EU calls for improved water management and flood prevention.
Madrid, March 19 (NationPress) A couple has tragically lost their lives, and one individual is still unaccounted for as the torrential downpour from storm Laurence continues to wreak havoc in southern Spain, as reported by local authorities on Wednesday.
Rescue teams in the southwestern region of Seville discovered the bodies of the couple on Wednesday after their car was carried away by floodwaters near the town of Constantina. They had been reported missing earlier.
Additionally, a man in his seventies has not been seen since Monday near the city of Cordoba.
The Seville City Council implemented an emergency response plan on Tuesday, placing 14 rivers under red alert for flooding across the provinces of Seville, Cordoba, and Malaga, according to the Xinhua news agency. At least two rivers, the Guadalhorce and Campanillas, overflowed, necessitating evacuations in various neighborhoods in Malaga and the nearby town of Cartama.
Storm Laurence is the latest of several storms to impact Spain, which has seen double the average monthly rainfall during the first two weeks of March.
Last month, the European Commission urged for expedited efforts across the European Union (EU) to safeguard water resources and enhance flood risk management.
According to the most recent report on the state of water in the EU, only 39.5 percent of EU surface water bodies meet good ecological standards, while merely 26.8 percent achieve satisfactory chemical quality.
"This is primarily due to extensive contamination from mercury and other hazardous pollutants," the Commission stated, emphasizing that water scarcity and drought are rising issues across most EU waters.
Consequently, it recommended that member states boost compliance with EU water regulations to adhere to pollution limits, enhance wastewater management, and secure adequate funding for effective water management strategies. They should also tackle persistent environmental challenges like chemical pollution and advocate for water reuse, the Commission advised.
Member states must invest in flood prevention, focusing on ecosystem restoration, nature-based solutions, and early warning systems, as highlighted by the occurrence of significant floods affecting various EU nations, including Slovenia, Spain, Germany, Austria, Poland, Romania, and France over the past two years.
Although much work remains, the Commission also acknowledged notable progress in recent years. The report indicated a 29 percent reduction in marine macro litter along the EU coastline from 2020 to 2021 compared to the 2015-2016 period. In addition, single-use plastics on EU shores have decreased by 40 percent, along with a 20 percent reduction in fisheries-related items and plastic bags.
