Storm Leonardo Devastates Europe and North Africa: Tens of Thousands Evacuated Amidst Unprecedented Flooding

Storm Leonardo has unleashed severe weather across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, causing widespread disruption and forcing mass evacuations. Southern Spain, particularly Grazalema, has experienced over 700mm of rain, equating to Spain's annual average, leading to catastrophic flooding. Portugal faces significant disruptions with impassable roads and power outages. In Morocco, over 100,000 people have been evacuated due to flash floods, creating a humanitarian crisis. Meteorologists point to unseasonably warm sea temperatures and potential links to climate change as factors exacerbating the storm's intensity and frequency. As the storm subsides, the focus shifts to recovery, rebuilding, and the urgent need for enhanced climate resilience and disaster preparedness measures across the affected regions.