The aftermath of the recent storms in Andalusia turned out to be far more serious than even the most pessimistic forecasts anticipated. The elements struck the region with such force that agriculture was pushed to the brink of collapse: roads have been destroyed, pumping stations damaged, and irrigation systems now require urgent restoration. However, despite the scale of the destruction, the region avoided true catastrophe—all thanks to five major dams that bore the brunt of the water’s impact.
If not for these hydraulic structures, the consequences could have been irreversible: dozens of towns would have ended up underwater, and more than 300,000 residents would have been at risk. Mass evacuations, crop losses, and destroyed homes would have become the reality for thousands of families. But the dams held back the surge, preventing rivers from overflowing and flooding vast areas.
The cost of inaction
Nevertheless, behind the scenes of this rescue lies a troubling fact: in recent years, Andalusia has seen virtually no new hydraulic projects implemented. Since 2009, not a single major dam has been commissioned, and out of twelve planned facilities, only two have reached the tender stage—and both are now on hold. The systematic failure to execute hydrological plans has put not just agriculture but the safety of entire cities at risk.
As a result, farmers and local residents are paying the price for the authorities’ delay: lost harvests, ruined farms, and constant fear of new disasters have become part of daily life. While politicians argue over priorities, ordinary people are left facing the real consequences of inaction.
Dams Versus Ideology
There is particular outrage at the fact that opponents of building new dams are often the same ones warning about the risks of climate change. It’s a paradox: on the one hand, calls for environmental protection are heard; on the other, the need to manage water flows is ignored—something that has become critically important amid increasingly frequent droughts and sudden downpours.
Hydraulic infrastructure is not just a guarantee of harvests, but a key tool for adapting to new climate realities. Without modern dams and water management systems, the region remains vulnerable to natural disasters, and any ideological debate fades into the background when people’s lives and safety are at stake.
Lessons From the Storms
Recent events have been a painful reminder that delays in upgrading infrastructure can end in tragedy. For many farmers, this year has been a true test: winter crops perished, and hopes for recovery have been dashed by a lack of support and investment. According to agricultural producers, it is time for the authorities to abandon old prejudices and speed up the implementation of vital projects.
The future of Andalusian agriculture and public safety remains uncertain. While some debate the feasibility of new dams, others are already calculating their losses and bracing for more natural disasters. One thing is clear: without decisive action, the situation could repeat itself—and then the cost of delay will be even higher.
The Association of Farmers and Irrigation Communities of Andalusia, known as Feragua, plays a key role in defending the interests of the region’s agricultural sector. The organization unites thousands of producers who are fighting for the modernization of water infrastructure and the fair allocation of resources. In recent years, Feragua has repeatedly raised the issue of new investments and warned of the risks associated with government inaction. Thanks to their efforts, the issue remains in the spotlight, but real change is still in question.
