We tell you what the problem has been with parking in the tragic DANA in Valencia and what are the guidelines that we should follow in the future.
Flooding in urban areas is a growing threat due to climate change and uncontrolled urbanisation. In recent years, cities have experienced an increase in the frequency and severity of torrential rains, many of which exceed the capacity of current drainage systems. The recent Dana phenomenon in Valencia has highlighted this problem, causing severe flooding in underground car parks and other spaces in the city. Such incidents highlight the need to adapt urban infrastructure to cope with extreme weather events and minimise their effects on daily life and the local economy. It is also clear that reaction times and machinery must be optimised . Warnings and actions must be streamlined .
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Sarah Romero
Table of Contents
Causes of water accumulation in underground car parks
Underground car parks, due to their proximity to the water table and their closed structure, are prone to accumulate water in heavy rainfall events. Factors such as soil saturation, collapse of drainage systems and hydraulic pressure generated by water seeping in from outside contribute to the flooding of these infrastructures. In the case of the Dana in Valencia , the magnitude of the rains overflowed the city’s drainage systems, causing water to rapidly accumulate in underground areas and causing great damage. These phenomena highlight the importance of having adequate prevention and extraction systems in vulnerable areas such as car parks.
The water table is the underground surface at which the soil or rocks are completely saturated with water . This level varies depending on weather conditions, the amount of rainfall and the infiltration capacity of the ground. In simple terms, it is the “limit” from which the soil begins to hold water in its pores, similar to a completely soaked sponge. In urban areas, especially in areas close to the sea or in low-lying areas, the water table can be quite close to the surface, which increases the risk of flooding in underground infrastructure such as car parks or basements, since groundwater tends to accumulate and put pressure on these structures during heavy rainfall or extreme weather events such as a DANA.
Traditional drainage systems in car parks and their limitations
Drainage systems in car parks are usually made up of drains that channel water into the urban sewer system. However, these conventional systems are insufficient in the face of extreme phenomena . The current infrastructure in many cities, including Valencia, was designed decades ago, in a very different climatic context than today. The increase in rainfall intensity , coupled with the waterproofing of large urban areas, has exceeded their drainage capacity . In addition, these systems tend to become clogged with sediment and waste, which further reduces their effectiveness.
Modern technologies for water extraction in flooded areas
Faced with the ineffectiveness of traditional systems, many cities are turning to cutting-edge technological solutions for extracting water from underground spaces. Some of these technologies include:
High-capacity pumps
These pumps allow large volumes of water to be extracted quickly, which is essential in emergency situations. Portable and stationary pumps have been developed that can be activated automatically when water levels reach certain limits.
Smart Drainage Systems
These systems use water level sensors and controllers that monitor flood conditions in parking lots in real time. When a critical rise in water is detected, smart drainage systems automatically activate pumps and notify parking managers so they can respond immediately.
Sediment Filter Grates
Modern drainage systems are integrating grates and filters that prevent sediment and debris from obstructing the flow of water, thus improving drainage efficiency in heavy rainfall events.
The implementation of these technologies in cities such as Valencia could significantly reduce the impact of future DANA and other intense weather phenomena , protecting both infrastructure and users’ vehicles.
Sustainable and low environmental impact solutions
Sustainability is a key aspect in the modernisation of urban infrastructure. Water extraction in flooded areas must not only be efficient, but also environmentally friendly. Some measures being implemented include:
Water reuse systems
Instead of disposing of the extracted water, it can be filtered and stored for later reuse in urban irrigation or street cleaning. This not only saves drinking water, but also reduces the demand on the city’s water resources.
Renewable energy for pump operation
The extraction technology can be powered by solar panels or other renewable energy sources, which reduces the carbon footprint and ensures continuous operation in the event of power outages.
These sustainable solutions combine two factors
they contribute to adaptation to climate change and help cities meet their emissions and energy consumption reduction targets .
Success stories in other cities
There are numerous examples of cities that have implemented advanced drainage and water extraction systems in car parks with excellent results. Some of the most notable measures include:
Rotterdam, Netherlands : This city has transformed several of its underground car parks into temporary water reservoirs , where excess rainwater can be stored until the drainage system is clear. This approach has significantly reduced flooding in critical areas.
Tokyo, Japan : Tokyo has large underground facilities, known as the “Subway Drainage System” ( G-Cans Project ), that store huge volumes of rainwater during storms. Although the system is designed to protect the entire city, it is an example of how proper infrastructure can cope with extreme rainfall.
Preventive measures to reduce the risk of flooding in car parks
In addition to extraction systems, it is essential to implement preventive measures to minimise the risk of flooding in car parks. Some recommendations include:
Slope design and permeable soils : Underground parking lots can benefit from soils that allow for light water filtration, as well as slopes that facilitate flow to drainage systems.
Containment gates and floodgates : Special floodgates can be installed at the entrances to car parks to prevent the entry of water in the event of heavy rain. These floodgates are activated automatically when high water levels are detected.
Regular drainage maintenance : Regular cleaning and inspection of drainage systems is essential to prevent blockages and ensure that they are operational in the event of heavy rains. In many cities, these maintenances are carried out just before the rainy season.
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Lessons: Adapting urban infrastructure to climate change
The case of the Dana in Valencia is a reminder of the need to adapt our infrastructures to new climate challenges. Cities must invest in advanced drainage and water extraction solutions, as well as monitoring and prevention technologies, to minimise the impact of extreme events. The implementation of these measures not only protects infrastructures and improves the safety of their citizens, but also contributes to a more sustainable and resilient urban development . The responsibility lies with both local authorities and car park owners and private companies to ensure that our cities are better prepared for the future.
