The atmospheric depression DANAresponsible for the violent floods which hit Spain this week, is causing concern beyond borders. With more than 300 mm of rain fell in a few hours on the Valence region, causing a human tragedy and significant material damage, eyes are now turning towards France. Could this meteorological phenomenon also affect France?
What is the Dana phenomenon and why is it so violent?
The Dana or “Depresion Aislada en Niveles Alto” (isolated high altitude depression) is known in France as cold drop. This phenomenon is triggered when a cold air at high altitude encounters warmer and humid air masses close to the Mediterranean. In Spain, this effect was amplified by V-shaped storms, supplied with moisture from the sea, causing intense precipitation over a short period. In the Valencia region, this depression caused extreme levels of rain, overflowing rivers and flooding towns.
With gusty winds and continuous rainseveral areas were quickly submerged, leading to evacuations, destruction of infrastructure and tragic human losses. The situation remains critical in several areas, and the toll continues to evolve.
France under threat? What the experts say
After crossing the south of France, Depression Dana weakened somewhat. According to Weather Francethis cold drop which had reached the French coasts gradually lost its intensity. During its passage, it caused a Mediterranean episode in the south-east, particularly in the Our and the Pyrenees-Orientales. In Perpignan, precipitation reached 132 mm in just 24 hours, demonstrating the scale of the phenomenon.
Fortunately, experts believe that the impact in France will be limited. The activity of the cold drop is decreasing and the forecasts only announce moderate precipitation in certain areas, without reaching the proportions observed in Spain.
Precautions to take in the face of climate risks
Although France seems spared from the destructive effects of Dana this time, the episodes of cold drops remind us of the importance of vigilance in the face of extreme climatic events. Local authorities and meteorological services advise remaining attentive to weather conditions, especially in southern regions exposed to Mediterranean phenomena.
The Dana episode highlights the challenges posed by climate change in the Mediterranean region. Reinforced precautions and adapted alert systems are essential to prevent and manage these phenomena which, according to experts, could multiply in the coming years.
A phenomenon to watch
If the passage of the cold in France was less intense, the risks of similar episodes increase. The Dana episodes show a increased frequency of extreme weather conditions in Mediterranean areas, which could lead to new risk management strategies to limit the impacts of bad weather on populations and infrastructure.
