Predictably, the flooding in the Valencia area is being described as a result of “climate change” and the BBC news wheels out academics to confirm that opinion.
It is interesting to note, however, that despite records only going back a couple of hundred years or so, they show that the area around Valencia is not entirely unfamiliar with this type of event.
For, example, on 10 November 1891, newspapers reported that, “floods to the south of Valencia have now abated and men are employed clearing the streets. Half of the orange crop has been destroyed and other crops totally ruined …. the damage done to property of all kinds is incalculable”.
In March 1894, “the crops in the flooded district are completely destroyed” and, in 1909, “a great storm raged on the coast and much damage has been done at Valencia”, and “several quarters of the town are under water”. ndin
1919, “as a result of the torrential rains and severe hailstorms, the crops have been destroyed in several communes and part of the town of Valencia has been inundated”.
Of course, there are many other reports from before the 1890s and after 1919, but I quote a small number of examples which do not mention people building houses in dried-out river beds, for example, which has been mentioned in relation to the current flooding.
“Climate change” is the constant fall-back of much of the media and I, like many others are tempted to ask: Climate change? Change from what exactly?
Andrew HN Gray
Edinburgh
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