Is Europe ill-prepared for flood disasters?

Europe is the fastest warming continent on earth but scientists say many local governments are badly prepared for weather related disasters. With the increase in flooding events across the region, is Europe truly prepared to grapple with the effects of climate change?

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Police officers prepare to work on the clean-up operation after flooding in Massanassa on the outskirts of Valencia, Spain, Nov. 6, 2024.

Alberto Saiz/AP

More than a week on from the deadly floods that destroyed parts of eastern Spain and led to the deaths of at least 218 people, recriminations are flying over who should be held responsible.

In Germany, three years after catastrophic floods hit the northwest region of the country, questions of accountability are still being asked.

Europe is the fastest-warming continent on earth but scientists say many local governments are ill-prepared for weather related disasters. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

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