Floods in Central Europe kill 24, worsened by climate change

In mid-September, Central Europe experienced unprecedented torrential rain from Storm Boris, leading to severe flooding across several countries, including Romania, Poland, Czechia, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany. The intense rainfall resulted in the deaths of 24 individuals, significant infrastructure damage, and widespread power outages. The four-day rainfall was noted as the heaviest ever recorded in the region, overwhelming emergency management systems and necessitating extensive repairs that could cost billions of euros. A recent study by World Weather Attribution revealed that human-caused climate change has doubled the likelihood of such extreme rainfall events. The study indicated that climate change not only increased the frequency of these heavy rains but also intensified them by 7% to 20%. Researchers utilized climate models to compare current weather patterns with those from preindustrial times, demonstrating a clear link between fossil fuel emissions and the severity of the storms. The study's lead author, Joyce Kimutai, emphasized the alarming consequences of fossil fuel-driven warming, highlighting the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change. The findings suggest that if global temperatures rise by an additional 2 degrees Celsius, the likelihood of similar severe storms could increase by 50%, further exacerbating the risks associated with extreme weather. In response to the devastation, European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen pledged financial aid to support recovery efforts in the affected countries. The study serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing impacts of climate change and the necessity for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness to handle future extreme weather events.