FLOOD risk zones in areas hit by the October 2024 Valencia DANA have been increased by 61% according to new projections.
That’s the finding of the new Patricova(Territorial Action Plan on Flood Risk Prevention in the Valencian Community) which solely focused on parts of the region hit by the disaster almost two years ago.
The study recommends raising the height of new homes depending on the danger risks.
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It also states that there should be a ban on building underground car parks linked to new properties in areas of medium danger and above.
The report also suggests that construction should be prohibited in the most vulnerable flood areas.
Work on the second phase of the Patricova covering the rest of the Valencian Community has now started.
The existing plan came into force in 2003 and was revised in 2015.
Valencia’s Minister of the Environment, Infrastructure, Territory and Recovery, Vicente Martinez Mus, speaking at a presentation of the first phase findings said that it was ‘time to adapt’.
Land classified as vulnerable to flooding has more than doubled in the Horta Sud area of Valencia province from 7,300 hectares to over 16,000 hectares- a 125% increase.
The Bajo Turia flood zone goes up from 7,621 hectares to 13,903 hectares, with much smaller rises in the October 2024 flood area.%.
Vicente Martinez Mus confirmed that the construction of underground car parks will be prohibited in the most affected areas.
“It will depend on the municipalities applying the rule and also adapting pending plans. It’s just the beginning,” the minister said.
Other proposals include adapting of buildings; the incorporation of green areas including planned flood parks; and the improvement of evacuation and self-protection measures.
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