What is causing such deadly flooding in parts of Western Europe?
1/5
Death toll rising
Unprecedented floods in Western Europe have led to the deaths of 150 people and climbing. But how did this happen?
2/5
Water pockets
The IPCC says as masses of air were loaded with water were blocked at high altitude, it made them stagnate over the region for a few days. Germany saw rainfall in two days what they usually see in over 2 months. Europe has been hit by flooding before but this one was exceptional because of the death toll. Many have blamed climate change for this. But is that the cause?
3/5
Climate Change
Technically, climate change means the planet is getting warmer so more water is evaporating which causes water masses in the atmosphere, which would lead to high levels of rainfall. Many areas around small rivers have been hit, especially those without flood defences.
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4/5
Not enough prep
Local governance has also been criticised for not evacuating people sooner. Warnings were issues by experts but preparations were not made. Some, who were unaware of such warning, took refuge in basements or cellars and were found dead later on.
5/5
Urbanisation
Many parts of Germany and western Europe have already seen high amounts of rainfall recently, leaving the soil saturated and unable to absorb excess water. And when the ground is covered in materials like concrete, the chances of flooding rise even more.