Floods and Nostalgia for the Past
Recently, the devastating floods in the Valencian Country have coincided with the 30th anniversary of the floods that ravaged the Congost and Tenes basins. This ephemeris has gone unnoticed, but it should serve as a reminder of the urgent need to prioritize the management of fluvial spaces and hydrological risk in the social debate and public policies.
A Growing Risk Scenario
After decades of inactivity, the danger of experiencing a DANA episode with devastating consequences on life and property is more imminent than ever. The impact of climate change on the Mediterranean, together with the uncontrolled urbanization of the Besòs basin, has created a worrying context. Science points out that every 1% increase in built-up area causes a 3.5% increase in the severity of floods.
Political Decisions and Their Consequences
The Congost basin perfectly exemplifies this problem. A detailed study of the last 30 years reveals that many actions, although seemingly minor, accumulated have significantly increased the danger of damage in the event of a flood. In Centelles and Aiguafreda, for example, massive urbanization has taken place without compensatory measures such as lamination ponds or the restoration of river areas.
Specific and Worrying Cases
In Sant Martí de Centelles, it was decided to build a large housing complex in an area with a high risk of flooding. In Tagamanent, construction works have occupied riparian areas, destroying natural vegetation. La Garriga, for its part, saw how a huge polygon was built without taking into account the environmental impact on the edge of the Gorge.
A Future Without Vision
Between the Garriga and the Franqueses, there are millions of square meters of public land that could be used for a large green infrastructure project. Although some of these spaces are protected within the EU’s Natura 2000 Network, the authorities seem to ignore their ecological and flood management potential.
Positive Exceptions
However, there are examples of positive initiatives, such as the actions carried out in Granollers. With a channelized river and significant limitations, several measures have been implemented to restore the riverbed, culminating in a major project funded by Next Generation funds that seeks to improve stormwater infiltration in urban areas.
The Need for a Comprehensive Approach
It is essential to overcome municipal boundaries and political interests when managing flood risk. A comprehensive basin project, led by the Besòs-Tordera Consortium and the Catalan Water Agency, is urgent. Rivers and floodplains should be widened wherever possible, as reclaiming every square meter of river space is crucial to reducing future damage.
After the recent events in Valencia, it is undeniable that the time to act has arrived. The accumulated knowledge and experiences must propel us towards a safer and more sustainable future.
