We are facing a "brutal new normal" of the multiplication of extreme phenomena, such as the earthquake in Morocco or the floods in Libya, Greece and other Mediterranean countries. This is the warning from the European Commission (EC), which asks the European Union (EU) for a "greater financial effort" in civil protection, whose capacities "are at the limit."
The latest extreme phenomenon has been Cyclone Daniel, which has left historic floods in Greece and a desolate panorama in Libya, with at least 2,000 dead and up to 5,000 missing only in the city of Derna, the most affected.
Despite the destruction, the forecasts were worse and pointed to the formation of a medicán, Mediterranean cyclones that have tropical characteristics, as indicated in the meteorological glossary of the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet).
The word medicán is a term adapted from the English medicane (from Mediterranean and hurricane), used to refer, in general, "to Mediterranean cyclones that present tropical characteristics."
According to the Aemet Medican Prediction document, these are small cyclones that develop over the sea and mainly affect maritime areas, islands and coastal areas. This phenomenon can cause very strong winds, sea storms and even floods, the result of very intense rains.
Specialists recognize that this phenomenon is relatively new and uncommon. However, the number has grown significantly in the last two decades.
Another factor that could influence its development is the increase in water temperature, although the extent to which this could influence has not yet been determined. In any case, specialists such as the Aemet spokesperson, Rubén del Campo, clarify that it does favor these more explosive situations because in the end "it is like having more fuel."
And the water is getting less and less cold. The sea water temperature broke numerous records in July and August. 31.21 degrees Celsius (ºC) were reached in Dragonera (Balearic Islands) and 23.25ºC in Cabo Peñas (Asturias), two marks never before reached, according to the information collected by the State Ports buoy network.
