• Europe encountered its most severe flooding in over a decade in 2024, affecting nearly one-third of its river network.
• Storms and flooding resulted in at least 335 fatalities and affected over 413,000 people across the continent.
• The economic damage from these weather events exceeded €18 billion (US$20.5 billion).
• 2024 was reported as the hottest year on record for Europe, contributing to more extreme weather events.

In 2024, Europe faced its most widespread flooding crisis in over a decade, with 30% of the continent's river network reaching significant flood levels, according to the joint report from the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released on April 15. This catastrophic event resulted in over 335 fatalities and affected more than 413,000 people across the region, highlighting the urgent impacts of climate change on European societies according to Channel News Asia.

The year 2024 also marked a significant climatic record as it was documented as the hottest year ever recorded in Europe, and consequently, the planet. The rapid rise in temperatures exacerbated flooding conditions, as extreme weather patterns became more disruptive. Notably, the European region experienced storms that caused extensive rainfall, with storms like Boris inundating central Europe with unprecedented amounts of rain, according to Reuters.

In addition, flooding in places like Valencia accounted for a significant proportion of the economic impact, with damages reported to exceed €18 billion. This deluge not only highlighted the physical risks of climate change but also underscored the need for better urban planning and river management in flood-prone areas. The report emphasized that altering river management could help mitigate the risks associated with such extreme weather phenomena, as identified in the findings by Le Monde.

The Copernicus and WMO report indicated that European cities have made progress, with a record-high 45% of energy produced from renewable sources; however, challenges persist, particularly in adapting to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events as reflected by Channel News Asia.