Flooding in Villangómez highlights the lack of action in response to climate emergencies.

The recent arrival of a DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) has left the small town of Villangómez, in the province of Burgos, in a critical situation after experiencing floods that affected the municipality's wastewater treatment plant. The intense rain, which began to fall accompanied by weather alerts, triggered an overflow of the river that runs through the town, terrifying residents who, with foresight, had taken measures to mitigate the effects of the water. The mayor, Gonzalo Ausín, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of action from the Duero River Basin Authority (CHD). While the water invaded the streets, residents quickly organized themselves, arming with barricades and tools to protect their homes. However, what had become a collective effort to hold back the force of nature was not enough to prevent some houses and warehouses from suffering significant damage. Ausín shared his concern: "It happened as always. We had the river directly in the town. Luckily, we were not caught by surprise and were prepared, but had it been early morning, the houses would have flooded." This statement highlights a constant worry among the residents of Villangómez: the town's vulnerability to extreme weather phenomena, exacerbated by the lack of preventive measures. The citizens mobilized the next day, facing a bleak landscape; the wastewater treatment plant and sewers were blocked, causing chaos in the municipality's sanitation system. With limited resources, residents worked side by side, trying to repair the damage and restore normalcy to their daily lives. However, the community effort does not hide the frustration they feel for having to deal once again with a situation they consider avoidable. The mayor did not hesitate to call for action: "The CHD has to do something. Or at least let us do it ourselves." This statement underscores not only the helplessness of a small community in the face of the elements but also the need for an institutional response that ensures the safety of citizens against future flooding episodes. The residents of Villangómez have expressed their exasperation and concern over the inaction of the relevant authorities. The perception that their demands for improvements in water infrastructure have been ignored for years has heightened tension in the community. The lack of an operational wastewater treatment plant is a clear symptom of a broader problem affecting many towns in the region, who see their resources compromised by a lack of investment and attention. This event has highlighted the importance of adequate urban planning that takes into account the risk of flooding. The integration of preventive measures into the fabric of local infrastructure is crucial to prevent situations like the recent ones from flooding not only the streets of Villangómez but also the residents' trust in the institutions responsible for their safety. Entities and experts in water management have pointed out the need for a comprehensive approach that not only responds to disasters but anticipates them through investments in public works and the improvement of drainage systems. Such projects would not only protect Villangómez but also other towns facing similar challenges. As the community recovers from this experience, it is evident that the resilience of the residents of Villangómez will be tested once again. The hope that authorities will listen to their demands and act swiftly is fundamental to restoring trust in the state's capacity to safeguard the lives and property of its citizens amid an increasingly changing climate.