The Spanish government has announced a major investment to improve flood resilience in areas affected by the recent DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) storms. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) will allocate €335 million to new flood prevention projects and another €192 million to mature initiatives set to begin in 2026. In total, the plan has an initial budget of €530 million, which may be adjusted as needed during implementation.
These efforts are part of the Plan to Improve Resilience to Flooding and aim to reduce the impact of extreme weather events linked to climate change. Among the key mature projects is the diversion of water from the Barranco de la Saleta through Aldaia, and five protective interventions in the lower Júcar River region.
These efforts are part of the Plan to Improve Resilience to Flooding and aim to reduce the impact of extreme weather events linked to climate change
Vice President and Minister for the Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen, emphasized the government’s dedication: “This plan will be adjusted to the needs detected during its execution.” She added, “We are fully committed to the people of Valencia.”
Addressing concerns from the regional government about delays, Aagesen clarified: “The works are not at a standstill,” and stressed the importance of cooperation: “The relationship has to be good and fluid because without consensus, things cannot move forward.”
The plan features a range of nature-based and infrastructure solutions, including:
Flood protection along the Magro River and its tributaries.
Reforestation and hydrological restoration in the Barranco del Poyo and Barranco de la Saleta basins.
Creation of flood zones to protect urban areas and industrial zones in Aldaia and Chiva.
Construction of a green corridor to channel water from the Barranco del Poyo to the new Turia River course, reducing risk in the Horta Sud region.
Additional measures will address flood risk in urban planning and housing. A separate €60 million program will support building adaptations such as raised entrances and flood barriers. A stricter regulatory framework for flood-prone areas is also in progress, along with updated flood risk mapping funded with €3 million.
The government hopes to finalize project definitions in 2026 and move forward swiftly. “We hope everyone works with that level of urgency,” Aagesen concluded.
