Week 16: Final Hazards Report

Extreme weather has been one of the most hazardous to Spain. Temperatures in Spain have reached up to 112 degrees Fahrenheit and scientists have named it "Zoe." This was recorded on July 24-27 in the city of Seville in southwestern Spain. Zoe was actually the First ever heat wave to have a name just like the hurricanes. Spain was ranked the first ever country to do this. These hot temperatures are happening more and more frequently and lasting a longer amount of time. The drought that had occurred over the past fews months has highly contributed to this. 

During July the temperatures reached about a maximum of 112 degrees and a minimum of 87 degrees. Spain let out messages on social media and warnings to communicate with people to protect themselves from this major heat wave. One major heatwave actually killed over 2,000 people in over a week. Many people were forced to flee their homes as wildfires were bound to happen and lasted for several weeks. Some major causes can be wildfires, climate change effects and more.

Most of Spain will experience this extreme weather of high temperatures but Castilla y Leon, Pais Vasco, Castilla La Pancha, Aragon, Catalua are the most affected but more specifically Andalucia’s Guadalquivir valley would be the first targets I would help as they are the most riskiest areas. In Andalucia the temperatures could pass 40c and exceed to 42c within one day. Spain recorded their highest temperature in Andalucia when it reached 47.4c. These need to be addressed as a priority because many of these extreme temperatures have caused over 2,000 deaths within Spain. Much of Spain is low income so they do not have enough resources to maintain the weather. Most of the reasons for the deaths include less access to air conditioning. Most of their homes are not equipped for this kind of weather and raises many concerns for the public.

The best place to construct a house within these extreme conditions would be Galicia, Spain. The extreme heat hazard is considered 5% in this area. There is a 5% to 25% chance of one period of exposed heat. Galicia is one of the coldest areas to avoid heat waves and such with a daily temperature of 19 degrees. Fog is very common and is year round. While it is located in the north western Spain area, the climate is very different as said before, this is a very different and safer climate from the rest of Spain which makes it the best place to construct a house. There are mild rainy winters and cool summer summers, usually wind will blow frequently and there are many beaches surrounded by surfers.

    A few recommendations can be to provide ice packs, fans and paper fans for free available to those who cannot afford it on their own. Having a designated spot where air conditioning is available to the public can be very helpful to those who do not have access to air conditioning in their home. In order to help citizens be prepared for heat waves a system can be established to detect them beforehand. Monitoring local media is key for those who rely on it. Other developed countries can help under developed countries like Spain and donate air conditioning, and have water available to the public at all times!

Sources:

https://thinkhazard.org/en/report/229-spain/EH

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/20/spain-braces-for-heat-wave-of-extraordinary-intensity

https://www.axios.com/2022/07/18/heat-wave-europe-death-toll

https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/spain/galicia