Spain's Deputy PM Blames Climate Change for Deadly Valencia Floods

Teresa Ribera defends the state's response to the disaster and faces political opposition over her EU Commission nomination.

Spain's Deputy Prime Minister Teresa Ribera has attributed the deadly floods in Valencia to climate change, stating that existing flood defenses were inadequate for such a large-scale disaster.
The floods, which occurred on October 29, resulted in over 220 deaths and significant infrastructure damage, marking one of Spain's worst flood-related disasters.
Ribera, also the environment and energy minister, is facing criticism from the opposition People's Party (PP) for alleged inaction and is currently blocked from an EU Commission role due to these accusations.
The central government and regional authorities are engaged in a blame game, with PP leader Carlos Mazon claiming insufficient and delayed information from state agencies.
Scientists highlight the role of climate change and warming Mediterranean waters in increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events like the Valencia floods.