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?

The World

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.

Listen to the story by clicking the audio player above.

Will you support The World with a monthly donation?

Every day, reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you. We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.

Make a gift today, and you’ll help us unlock a matching gift of $67,000!