ACCESS4ALL Group

In October 2024, the province of Valencia experienced one of the most catastrophic weather events in its history. The DANA brought record-breaking rainfall that devastated dozens of municipalities, serving as a brutal reminder of how global climate phenomena manifest in our own backyards.

This event is a clear example of the extreme weather mentioned in our discussion guidelines. Driven by record-high Mediterranean temperatures, the storm released a year's worth of rain in just a few hours, turning local ravines into destructive torrents and proving that the climate risks we often discuss in the abstract are now a tangible reality for our community.

The challenges were immediate and profound, affecting every pillar of local life. From an infrastructure standpoint, the collapse of bridges and the flooding of the rail network cut off essential lifelines. Beyond the physical damage, the tragedy forced a total halt to the local economy, destroying citrus harvests and thousands of small businesses. Most importantly, it challenged our sense of security, showing that our existing urban designs and way of life were not fully prepared for the sheer intensity of weather events in a warming world.

While the immediate response was defined by an incredible wave of citizen solidarity, the focus has now shifted toward long-term education and awareness. The Council of Valencia is now working hard to raise awareness about these risks, moving away from the idea that this was a one-time occurrence. Through new local initiatives, there is a heavy push to make sure every resident understands the significance of weather alerts and the necessity of climate adaptation. This includes rethinking land use near floodplains and implementing more robust early-warning systems to build a community that is not just reactive, but resilient and deeply informed about the changing environment we live in.