A groundbreaking study led by Francisco Vallés Morán from the Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA) at the Universitat Politècnica de València has delved into the catastrophic flooding caused by the DANA on October 29, 2024, in l’Horta Sud, Valencia. Utilizing sophisticated two-dimensional hydraulic modelling techniques, the research offers a comprehensive analysis of the flood dynamics, extent, and the devastating impact on both infrastructure and human life.
The study, published in the Cuadernos de Geografía of the University of Valencia, meticulously reconstructs the hydraulic behavior of the Poyo–Torrent and Poçalet–Saleta ravine systems. It highlights extreme flow velocities, arrival times at affected towns, and water depths exceeding four meters in some urban areas. According to the IIAMA research,
‘The results show the extraordinary speed and violence of the episode, with speeds of up to 8 m/s and response times of less than an hour between the headwaters and the most densely populated areas.’
Understanding the Flood Dynamics
The research confirms that hydraulic modelling can reliably replicate the observed reality during the storm, accurately depicting both the flooding extent and water levels over time. A significant finding is the role of transport infrastructures, like the V-31 motorway, which exacerbated the flooding upstream by creating backwater effects.
‘The results also show the consistency between the overtopping flows and the historical geomorphology of the territory, shaped by paleochannels and areas of natural water accumulation, which reinforces the robustness of the analysis carried out,’
Vallés explains.
Innovation in Emergency Management
One of the study’s most innovative contributions is the development of a tool that uses the hydraulic power of water currents to predict their carrying capacity. This novel approach allows for identifying the trajectories of the most energetic overtopping flows and pinpointing areas where floodwaters are likely to deposit people or objects. Professor Vallés notes,
‘This methodology was applied during the October 2024 episode and proved useful to the emergency services, facilitating the search for missing people.’
The tool’s ability to be exported in georeferenced formats marks a significant advancement in applying hydraulic science to emergency management.
Implications for Infrastructure and Climate Adaptation
The insights gained from this study are crucial for assessing existing infrastructure and formulating adaptation strategies to combat the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related events. The research underscores the potential of applied hydraulic science in flood risk planning, prevention, and operational response during emergencies. Vallés concludes,
‘The possibility of having reliable simulations in near real time opens up new avenues for improving decision-making, optimizing the search for missing persons, and potentially saving human lives in future extreme events.’
Looking Forward
This development follows a series of intense weather events attributed to climate change, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions in disaster management. As extreme weather patterns continue to challenge urban planning and emergency response systems globally, the tools and methodologies developed through this research could serve as a model for other regions facing similar threats.
Meanwhile, local authorities in Valencia and beyond are urged to integrate these findings into their emergency preparedness plans. The study not only highlights the importance of advanced modelling techniques in understanding flood dynamics but also demonstrates the critical role of interdisciplinary research in enhancing public safety and resilience against natural disasters.
As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, the work of researchers like Francisco Vallés Morán provides a beacon of hope, illustrating how scientific innovation can lead to tangible improvements in disaster response and mitigation strategies.
