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In episode 9 of the podcast Atmospheric TurbulenceMeteorologist Albert Martínez and his colleague Andrés Gómez analyze the tragic episode of extreme rainfall that occurred on October 29, 2024 in Valencia, Spain, caused by a DANA (Isolated High Level Depression). This storm left more than 200 dead, thousands of victims and economic losses in the millions. The episode begins with real audios of citizens trapped by the floods, creating an emotional context that gives way to an in-depth explanation of the meteorological phenomenon and its unprecedented impact.
Andres explains that the DANA is a mass of cold air isolated at high levels of the atmosphere that, combined with warm and humid conditions such as those of the Mediterranean Sea, can cause heavy rains in a very short time. Although this phenomenon is common in the Mediterranean, its intensity has been aggravated by climate change, which increases the capacity of the atmosphere to retain water vapor. The DANA of 2024 broke historical records, leaving up to 700 liters per square meter in some areas, the equivalent of more than 28 inches of rain in just 24 hours.
The episode strongly criticizes the lack of foresight and response on the part of the authorities. Despite the fact that some weather models were forecasting significant accumulations, the red warning of AEMET arrived just hours before the disaster. Andres explains that the Spanish warning system, fragmented by autonomous communities and with dispersed competencies, made it difficult to respond effectively. Many citizens did not receive any warning or received it when it was too late. The management chaos, coupled with a deficient infrastructure, aggravated the effects of the phenomenon.
The podcast also includes the personal testimony of Andrés, who covered the event from the field. He narrates with emotion and rawness how he spent the night trapped in a town without electricity or communication, surrounded by distressed neighbors and without access to food. The total disconnection prevented him from contacting his family and working normally. Despite the fear and pain, he argues that it was necessary to be there to document the magnitude of the tragedy and give a voice to those affected. He also recounts the presence of at least 11 tornadoes during the storm, one of them category F2, and the collapse of electrical infrastructures that further complicated disaster management.
Journalist Kamila Daza contributes a historical section dedicated to Valencia, reviewing its Roman origin, its evolution as a key city in the Mediterranean and its vulnerability to floods. She recalls the great flood of 1957, which led to the diversion of the Turia riverbed and the transformation of the city. It also highlights the natural wealth of the region, such as the Albufera, and its cultural and ecological importance. All this frames the impact of the event within a history of struggle between humans and water in a beautiful but fragile territory.
Finally, the episode promotes the viewing of the documentary "The day of 700 liters"available on YouTube and RTVE Play, as a key tool to understand what happened. This work, developed with more than 30,000 data and minute-by-minute reconstructions, seeks not only to inform, but also to raise awareness. The closing message is clear: it is urgent to improve warning protocols, strengthen meteorological surveillance and learn from what happened to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again. Climate change is already here, and preparation can make the difference between life and death.
In this episode you will find:
02:45 What is a DANA?
04:30 The effects of the DANA
07:00 The Mediterranean Sea
08:30 The Mediterranean world
10:00 The mechanism of the DANA
12:00 Warning systems in Valencia
16:00 The foundation of Valencia
19:00 Forecasting DANAs
21:30 Understanding alerts
23:30 Covering a DANA
26:30 After the DANA
28:15 Tornadoes with the DANA
31:40 Where to watch the documentary
