With images of Spain’s devastating floods still fresh in our minds, the Department of Meteorology’s warnings were enough to frighten anyone.
But whether we’re scared or not, what can we actually do to protect ourselves and our property from flooding? Yes, there’s personal responsibility, but given how our cities are built, what options does a citizen really have when yellow, orange, red, or whatever colour warning is issued for severe weather?
One of the recurring pieces of advice from Civil Defence and other officials is: “If you have a garden, leave bare soil where possible so the ground can absorb water”. In other words, don’t concrete everything over. But our cities have already been paved from end to end by the very same authorities who are now urging citizens to keep the ground in its natural state to absorb at least some of the rainfall. Even Civil Defence, while dispensing safety advice, couldn’t prevent their own shelter in Paralimni from flooding.
Last Saturday it was Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. This Sunday, Paralimni bore the brunt of it. Other times it’s Nicosia – each city takes its turn. The authorities tally up the damage: one day it’s the Paphos hospital, another day it’s crops, then businesses – shops, restaurants and the like – or homes.
Officials rush to announce aid measures, and each time we console ourselves that “at least there were no casualties – everything else can be rebuilt.” That’s some comfort, indeed, but how many times can someone restart their business when the street turns into a river and sweeps everything away? How many times can someone bear to see their possessions submerged in mud?
The authorities need to accept that climate change is a reality. Extreme weather isn’t temporary, and our cities are anything but prepared to cope with it. Some mayors are calling for a comprehensive flood management study.
It’s a valid request, but from initial discussions to implementation could take a decade (if it happens at all). Take the Kamares area in Larnaca, which flooded in 2015 – they’re only just signing contracts for works now, which will take another two years to complete (assuming they stick to schedule).
At this pace, we’re in for many more floods yet (assuming we survive them).