Deadly floods and storms affected 413,000 people in Europe in 2024
Deadly Floods and Storms in Europe, 2024: Impact and Context
In 2024, Europe experienced its most widespread and deadly flooding in over a decade, with storms and floods affecting approximately 413,000 people across the continent. These extreme weather events resulted in at least 335 deaths and caused an estimated €18 billion (about $20.4 billion) in damages, making them the most expensive weather-related disasters of the year.
Key Facts and Figures
| Metric | Value (2024) |
|---|---|
| People affected | 413,000 |
| Deaths | At least 335 |
| Economic damages | €18 billion+ |
| Most affected region | Western Europe |
| Deadliest event | Valencia, Spain (232 deaths) |
Valencia, Spain: The deadliest single event occurred in late October, when torrential rains caused catastrophic flooding in Valencia and surrounding provinces. In just a few hours, 232 people lost their lives—accounting for about 70% of all flood-related deaths in Europe in 2024. The event was fueled by exceptionally warm sea waters, which scientists found were made at least 50 to 300 times more likely by human-caused climate change.
Central and Eastern Europe: In September, Storm Boris brought unprecedented rainfall to countries including Germany, Poland, Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia, Romania, and Italy, impacting hundreds of thousands and causing further fatalities and damage.
Climate Context
Record Heat: 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded in Europe, with nearly half the continent experiencing record-high annual temperatures. The continent is warming at twice the global average rate, intensifying the risk and severity of extreme weather events.
River Flooding: Almost one-third (30%) of Europe’s river network exceeded the “high” flood threshold, and 12% surpassed the “severe” flood threshold—the most extensive flooding since 2013.
Climate Change Link: Scientists attribute the increased frequency and intensity of such events to climate change, as warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall and more severe flooding.
Regional Impacts
Western Europe: Suffered the worst flooding, with 2024 ranking among the ten wettest years since 1950.
Southeastern Europe: Experienced the longest heatwave on record, lasting 13 days, and widespread “strong heat stress” days.
Glaciers: Scandinavia and Svalbard glaciers recorded their highest mass loss rates ever, further evidence of rapid warming.
Adaptation and Response
Urban Adaptation: Over half (51%) of European cities now have climate adaptation plans, up from 26% in 2018, reflecting growing recognition of the need for resilience.
Renewable Energy: In a positive development, renewable energy sources accounted for a record 45% of Europe’s energy production in 2024.
“Every additional fraction of a degree of temperature rise matters because it accentuates the risks to our lives, to economies and to the planet. Adaptation is a must.” — Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization
The deadly floods and storms of 2024 underscore the accelerating impacts of climate change in Europe, the world’s fastest-warming continent. With hundreds of thousands affected, hundreds of lives lost, and billions in damages, the events of 2024 highlight the urgent need for adaptation, resilience, and climate action across the region.
Deadly floods and storms affected 413,000 people in Europe in 2024
In 2024, Europe experienced deadly floods and storms that affected approximately 413,000 people and caused at least 335 deaths. These extreme weather events led to widespread flooding, the most extensive since 2013, with about 30% of the continent’s river network exceeding the “high” flood threshold. The financial damage from these disasters is estimated at around €18 billion (about $20.4 billion), with 85% of the losses attributed to flooding.
Storm Boris in September, which caused severe flooding and casualties across Germany, Poland, Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia, Romania, and Italy.
Devastating floods in late October in Spain, particularly in the Valencia region, where 232 people died, accounting for 70% of all flood-related deaths in Europe that year. The floods in Valencia were fueled by unusually warm Mediterranean Sea temperatures, which increased the intensity of the storm.
2024 was also Europe’s hottest year on record, with nearly half the continent experiencing record-high temperatures. This warming trend has intensified extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts in southern and eastern Europe, and more frequent and severe storms and floods. Europe is the fastest-warming continent, with its surface air temperature rising by 2.4°C since the pre-industrial period, compared to the global average increase of 1.3°C.
The combination of rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns has heightened the risks to lives, infrastructure, and economies across Europe, underscoring the urgent need for adaptation and improved early warning systems to enhance resilience against climate change impacts.
