What caused deadly floods in Spain? The impact of DANA explained

What is DANA?

DANA, or a cut-off low, is a low-pressure system that becomes isolated from the main jet stream. This can happen when a meander in the jet stream pinches off, leaving a pool of cold air behind. DANA's can form anywhere in the world, but they are most common in the Mediterranean region.

What happened in Spain?

On September 12, 2019, a DANA formed over the Mediterranean Sea and moved towards Spain. The storm brought heavy rain to the eastern part of the country, causing widespread flooding. The flooding was particularly severe in the region of Murcia, where more than 1,000 people were evacuated from their homes.

What caused the flooding?

The flooding was caused by a combination of factors, including: *

The heavy rain

The DANA brought torrential rain to Spain, with some areas receiving more than 200 mm of rain in a single day. This amount of rain is enough to cause flooding even in areas that are not prone to flooding. *

The topography

The topography of Spain contributed to the flooding. The eastern part of the country is mountainous, and the mountains can act as a barrier to the flow of water. This can lead to water building up and causing floods. *

The lack of infrastructure

In some areas of Spain, there is a lack of infrastructure to prevent flooding. This includes things like dams and levees. The lack of infrastructure can make it difficult to control flooding and protect property and lives.

What was the impact of the flooding?

The flooding in Spain caused widespread damage and disruption. More than 1,000 people were evacuated from their homes, and many roads and bridges were closed. The flooding also caused damage to crops and livestock, and it is estimated that the economic losses will be in the billions of euros.

What can be done to prevent future flooding?

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent future flooding in Spain, including:

Improving infrastructure

Investing in infrastructure, such as dams and levees, can help to control flooding and protect property and lives. *

Managing land use

Managing land use can help to reduce the risk of flooding. For example, avoiding development in floodplains can help to reduce the risk of flooding. *

Educating the public

Educating the public about the risks of flooding can help to reduce the impact of flooding. For example, teaching people how to prepare for a flood and how to stay safe during a flood can help to reduce the number of injuries and deaths. The flooding in Spain is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters. By taking steps to prevent flooding, we can help to protect our communities and our lives.