Kurdistan PM Expresses Condolences over Deadly Flash Floods in Southern Spain
Erbil, Kurdistan Region — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani expressed his sorrow over the devastating flash floods that have claimed dozens of lives in southern Spain. In a message shared on social media platform X, Prime Minister Barzani extended his sympathies to those affected by the disaster.
“I’m saddened by the devastating flash floods in southern Spain. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the people of Spain in this difficult time,” Barzani wrote.
The unprecedented floods hit the Mediterranean city of Valencia, located south of Barcelona, renowned for its scenic beaches, citrus orchards, and as the birthplace of the famous rice dish, paella. Triggered by heavy storms on Tuesday, the disaster, locally referred to as a DANA (high-altitude isolated depression), inundated southern and eastern Spain, with some areas in Valencia receiving a year’s worth of rainfall within just eight hours.
I’m saddened by the devastating flash floods in southern Spain. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and the people of Spain in this difficult time.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) October 30, 2024
The severe flooding has led to extensive damage in Valencia, a key agricultural region producing nearly two-thirds of Spain’s citrus fruit. Spain, which has already endured prolonged drought and record-high temperatures, faces mounting challenges as scientists link the rise in extreme weather events to climate change. Experts suggest that prolonged droughts dry the land, reducing its ability to absorb heavy rainfall, thereby worsening flood impacts.
As Spain copes with the aftermath of its deadliest floods in decades, officials are working to assess damage and offer support to those affected in the hard-hit agricultural areas.
