Europe experienced its most extensive flooding in over a decade last year, with nearly 30% of the continent’s river network exceeding flood thresholds, according to a joint report published on Tuesday by the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The widespread deluge marked the worst flooding since 2013, killing at least 335 people and affecting more than 410,000 across the region. Western Europe bore the brunt of the devastation, with 2024 ranking among the ten wettest years since records began in 1950. Damages from storms and floods across the continent exceeded €18 billion, making them Europe’s costliest weather-related disasters.
The report ties the increasing intensity of such events to human-induced climate change. Last year was the warmest on record globally and also for Europe — the world’s fastest-warming continent. Average global temperatures were 1.3°C above pre-industrial levels.
“Every additional fraction of a degree of temperature rise matters because it accentuates the risks to our lives, to economies and to the planet,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
Flooding in 2024 was particularly severe in Spain, where October’s storms in Valencia claimed 232 lives and accounted for the bulk of flood-related fatalities and economic losses in Europe. In September, Storm Boris brought record rainfall to Central Europe, hitting Austria, Czechia, Germany, and Slovakia.
Scientists warn that a warming atmosphere — which holds more moisture — is increasing the likelihood of such intense downpours. Atmospheric water vapour reached unprecedented levels last year, further compounding flood risks.
While Western Europe contended with flooding, parts of Eastern Europe faced drought due to insufficient rainfall. In contrast, southeastern Europe experienced its longest recorded heatwave, lasting 13 days, and Scandinavian glaciers shrank at record rates.
Despite these challenges, the report pointed to some progress: renewable energy accounted for a record 45% of Europe’s electricity generation in 2024, and most cities across the continent now have climate adaptation plans in place.
However, scientists caution that improved river management and urban planning are essential to mitigating future flood impacts, particularly in vulnerable areas.
