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Valencia Storm Highlights Urgent Need for Resilient Infrastructure

The devastating storm in Valencia underscores the urgent need for investment in resilient infrastructure, combining gray and green solutions, to protect against the impacts of climate change.

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Spanish

Spain

Climate ChangeEnergy SecurityInvestmentInfrastructureResilienceFlooding

AccionaFerrovialAcsFccSacyr

Javier MachíAlejandro JiménezValentín AlfayaÍñigo LosadaCristina Contreras

What are the main infrastructure needs highlighted by the recent storm in Valencia?: The devastating effects of the recent storm in Valencia, Spain, highlight the urgent need for investment in both gray infrastructure (dams, dikes, canals) and green infrastructure (lakes, natural drainage, wetlands) to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.
How did the existing infrastructure in Valencia perform during the storm, and what lessons were learned?: The 55-year-old Turia Riverbed in Valencia proved effective in absorbing floodwaters, demonstrating the importance of infrastructure in protecting against climate change. However, the event also exposed deficiencies in existing infrastructure and highlighted the need for improvements and new projects.
What projects are currently pending or stalled that could help mitigate future flood risks in the Valencia region?: Several projects aimed at managing torrential rainfall in the Valencia region are stalled or abandoned, but may be revived following the recent disaster. These include drainage projects, dam constructions, and river channel improvements.
What are the economic and social costs associated with the damage caused by the storm, and how can these costs be reduced?: The economic losses from extreme weather events are substantial, with Spain among the hardest hit in the EU. This emphasizes the need for proactive investment in resilient infrastructure and for careful urban planning to avoid building in high-risk areas.
What is the role of the private sector, and what solutions are being proposed to enhance the resilience of infrastructure?: Spanish construction companies have increased their involvement in resilient infrastructure projects internationally, and experts advocate a combined approach using gray and green infrastructure, along with improved emergency response systems and updated building codes.

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