Seville, United by a Flood Story from the 'Operation Clavel' 60 Years Ago 🌊

Hello everyone! Many of you are likely concerned about the current weather conditions, aren't you? I also became very interested after seeing this news. Recently, I encountered unfortunate reports of heavy rains hitting the Mediterranean coast, destroying roads and leaving hundreds of residents homeless. Unlike the sad situations in cities like Valencia, Murcia, and Tarragona, Seville was reportedly calm, as if it had learned to live with its river.

However, Seville too has faced immense crises due to its unpredictable river in the past. This is the story of a great flood in 1961, which necessitated a large-scale recovery effort known as 'Operation Clavel.'

1961: A Water Bomb Engulfs Seville 💧

On November 24, 1961, heavy rainfall originating from the north instantly transformed Seville's city center into a vast lake. It was a disaster situation where water flooded not just the outskirts but the heart of the city. The scene at the time is dizzying to imagine. Hundreds of residents had to leave their homes as the entire city was submerged, and numerous buildings and roads were destroyed, causing immense damage.

This flood even endangered the tallest building in Andalusia and, had things gone differently, could have led to Seville losing its World Heritage status, highlighting the severity of the situation. Unlike the well-managed Guadalquivir River we know today, the river in the past was an unpredictable and powerfully forceful entity.

'Operation Clavel': Solidarity Blossoming Amidst Disaster 🤝

In the face of this immense disaster, the citizens of Seville did not succumb to despair. They embarked on urban recovery efforts under the name 'Operation Clavel,' which became more than just reconstruction; it was an event that united all of Seville. Citizens voluntarily came forward to help with the damage recovery, encouraging each other as they navigated through the difficulties. This operation became a precious experience that healed the deep wounds caused by the disaster and further strengthened the sense of community.

Of course, the harrowing experiences of that time are likely etched deeply in the memories of Sevillians. However, thanks to those memories, Seville learned how to coexist with the Guadalquivir River and became more adept at managing it safely. Isn't it astonishing that such a fierce and moving history lies behind the stable appearance we see today?

What Can We Learn from Seville? 🤔

Seville's 'Operation Clavel' story gives us much to ponder. It reminds us that natural disasters can threaten us anytime, anywhere, and underscores the critical importance of solidarity and cooperation in times of hardship.

Due to recent climate change, unexpected natural disasters are occurring worldwide. In such circumstances, Seville's past experiences and its process of overcoming them offer us valuable lessons. It teaches us the need for courage to pool our wisdom and combine our strengths to overcome crises, rather than succumbing to despair.

What thoughts did this news evoke in you? I hope Seville's story of rising again after past suffering offers you a small measure of hope and courage. 🙏

That's all for today's story. I'll be back with another interesting story next time! 😊