Introduction

In recent weeks, Valencia Province has been grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding that has disrupted the lives of thousands, devastated urban centers, and crippled the local economy. The deluge has left a trail of destruction across four key Areas of Interest (AOIs):

1. AOI01: Valencia Urban Area
2. AOI02: Plana de Utiel
3. AOI03: Horta Sud
4. AOI04: Ribera Alta

As communities strive to recover, understanding the full scope of the impact is crucial. Our team conducted a comprehensive flood impact assessment to quantify the damages and provide actionable recommendations for recovery and future resilience.

The Scope of the Disaster

Total Estimated Economic Loss: €6.23 Billion

The flooding has resulted in an estimated economic loss of €6.23 billion, affecting residential areas, industrial facilities, transportation infrastructure, and agricultural lands. The Valencia Urban Area (AOI01) bears the brunt of the damage, accounting for approximately 85.9% of the total losses.

Breakdown of Losses by Sector:

• Residential Sector: The most significant losses, particularly in AOI01, due to extensive damage to homes and displacement of residents.
• Transportation Infrastructure: Major roads and railways have been damaged or destroyed, impeding emergency response and recovery efforts.
• Industrial Sector: Key industrial zones in AOI03 and AOI04 have suffered substantial losses, impacting employment and economic stability.
• Agricultural Sector: Farmlands have been inundated, affecting farmers’ food supply chains and livelihoods.

Methodology at a Glance

Our assessment utilized the Copernicus Emergency Management Service, local government reports, flood damage estimation models, and historical flood data. Due to data constraints, some assumptions were made, such as a uniform average flood depth of 12 inches across all AOIs. Damage estimates were calculated based on property sizes, flood depths, and standardized damage curves.

AOI01: Valencia Urban Area

• Estimated Number of Damaged Properties: 45,966
• Calculation: Using computer vision analysis, we identified approximately 45,966 residential properties showing signs of damage within the 656.7 hectares of affected residential area.
• Total Economic Loss: €5.35 billion
• Residential Impact: Extensive damage to a high number of properties.
• Transportation Impact: Over 1,449 km of highways and local roads were affected.
• Agricultural Impact: Significant loss in permanent crops over 25,403 hectares.

Priority Level: Very High

Recommended Actions:

• Immediate deployment of emergency services.
• Rapid repair of critical infrastructure.
• Financial assistance for displaced residents.

AOI03: Horta Sud

• Estimated Number of Damaged Properties: 3,475
• Calculation: The computer vision models detected about 3,475 damaged residential properties within the 57.9 hectares of affected residential area.
• Total Economic Loss: €538 million
• Industrial and Residential Impact: Significant damage affecting economic activities.
• Transportation Impact: Disruption of important transportation networks.

Priority Level: High

Recommended Actions:

• Support industries in cleanup and resumption of operations.
• Repair transportation routes to facilitate movement.
• Provide assistance programs for affected households.

AOI04: Ribera Alta

• Estimated Number of Damaged Properties: 3,102
• Calculation: The analysis revealed around 3,102 damaged properties in the 51.7 hectares of affected residential area.
• Total Economic Loss: €310 million
• Impact: Notable damage to residential and industrial sectors; agricultural losses affecting local farmers.

Priority Level: Medium

Recommended Actions:

• Aid for industrial recovery and small businesses.
• Support for agricultural rehabilitation.
• Infrastructure repairs to restore connectivity.

AOI02: Plana de Utiel

• Estimated Number of Damaged Properties: 860
• Calculation: The models identified approximately 860 damaged properties within the 21.5 hectares of affected residential area.
• Total Economic Loss: €31 million
• Impact: Smaller portion of the total loss; predominantly rural with lower population density.

Priority Level: Low

Recommended Actions:

• Targeted support for affected residents and farmers.
• Repair local roads to ensure accessibility.
• Implement community-based recovery initiatives.

Charting the Path to Recovery

Immediate Actions

• Emergency Response: Deploy emergency services, establish temporary shelters, and ensure medical services are available.
• Infrastructure Restoration: Prioritize repair of critical transportation routes and restore utilities.

Short to Medium-Term Strategies

• Housing Rehabilitation: Provide financial assistance for property repairs and promote flood-resistant construction.
• Economic Recovery: Offer grants or tax incentives to businesses and support workforce development programs.
• Agricultural Support: Compensate farmers for crop losses and supply resources for replanting.

Long-Term Measures

• Flood Mitigation and Preparedness: Invest in flood defenses like levees and improved drainage systems; develop comprehensive flood risk management plans.
• Urban Planning and Policy: Update zoning laws to prevent construction in high-risk areas; adopt flood-resistant building codes.
• Environmental Conservation: Restore wetlands and natural floodplains; promote sustainable land use practices.

Building a Resilient Future

The unprecedented flooding in Valencia Province underscores the urgent need for coordinated recovery efforts and proactive measures to mitigate future risks. The extensive economic losses and the profound impact on communities highlight the importance of resilience and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.

Collaboration among government agencies, local communities, businesses, and international organizations will be pivotal in rebuilding and enhancing the resilience of the affected areas. By implementing the recommended actions and investing in long-term strategies, Valencia Province can not only recover but also emerge stronger and better equipped to handle future challenges.

Final Thoughts

Natural disasters test the fabric of our communities, but they also offer an opportunity to rebuild with greater wisdom and foresight. The resilience of Valencia’s people, coupled with strategic planning and investment, can transform this crisis into a turning point towards a safer and more sustainable future.

For further information or assistance in implementing the recommendations, please contact the StarView Data Analysis Team at info@starview.pro.

Disclaimer: This assessment is based on data available as of November 3, 2024. All estimates are approximate and subject to change upon further detailed assessments. The information provided is intended for strategic planning and recovery purposes and should be supplemented with on-site evaluations.

Prepared by:

Nima Naderi, Amir Mohammad Farhang, Nima Alighardashi, Radmehr Mohebi

Mentor: Jose Julio Ramos

1