Flood Warning: Region told to get ready for Autumn Threat

The Valencian Government has issued a warning that the region may experience additional flash floods in the upcoming months due to the Mediterranean Sea's increasing warmth and approaching autumn storms. Miguel Barrachina, a spokesperson for the regional government, explained that the combination of unusually warm seawater and the Valencian Community's mountainous terrain heightens the risk of severe, rapid floods.

He advocated for prompt actions, such as clearing and maintaining ravines, riverbeds, and the new Turia river channel, before the onset of autumn rains. The Valencian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces has urged the Júcar River Basin Authority and the Spanish Government to prioritize the Valencian Community, calling for the removal of vegetation, reeds, and other obstructions from vulnerable waterways.

Barrachina criticized the river basin authorities for their slow response and inadequate maintenance during the summer, stating that Valencia, Alicante, and Castellón are particularly at risk due to their mountainous inland regions that can rapidly send rainwater towards towns and coastal areas. The Valencian Government has invested over €52 million in flood-prevention projects, but Barrachina claims that many waterways fall under the responsibility of the Spanish Government, which he asserts should fund and complete these essential tasks.

Furthermore, Barrachina criticized the Segura River Basin Authority for completing only 5% of its planned flood-prevention projects in the Vega Baja, despite a €330 million budget allocated for 2022-2027. The PPCV, led by María Gómez, the water spokesperson in the Valencian Parliament and Mayor of Almoradi, has expressed deep concern over the slow progress, deeming it "unacceptable" as the seventh anniversary of the devastating September 2019 floods approaches.

Gómez emphasized that climate-related emergencies will not wait for authorities to finish preliminary studies, planning procedures, or political negotiations, warning that the next storm will not wait for the necessary actions to be completed.