Emergency works have begun in Chiva aimed at radically changing the flood situation. After the devastating flood in October 2024, local residents faced the threat of disaster striking again. Now, authorities have decided to triple the river channel’s capacity to protect the city from future catastrophes.
According to El Pais, the project is being carried out by the Confederación Hidrográfica del Júcar (CHJ). The work covers several sites at once and includes five key phases. The total budget is nearly three million euros. The main measures are scheduled for completion as early as June. Meanwhile, specialists are developing a separate project for the final section of the riverbed, currently held back by an old bridge.
New safety solutions
The main goal is not simply to restore what was destroyed, but to create a system capable of withstanding extreme water flows. To do this, engineers relied on a detailed hydrological analysis carried out by CEDEX experts. This data made it possible to pinpoint exactly where the strongest protection measures are needed.
As a result, the channel’s capacity will increase from the previous 150–200 cubic meters per second to 600. This means that even if a heavy downpour like the one in 2024 occurs again, the water will stay within the banks and will not flood the streets.
The work has been divided into five stages, three of which focus on the San Isidro area. The first stage involves demolishing a rocky outcrop that was blocking the free flow of water. The second stage is the creation of a special section with a steep slope to accelerate the flow and direct it to the new bridge.
Reinforcement and Protection
The third phase is almost complete: along the streets adjacent to the riverbed, a massive retaining wall made of stone and concrete, about five meters high, has been built. This measure should protect homes from possible flooding in the future.
Near Ramón y Cajal Street, the slopes have been reinforced and another long retaining wall—over 250 meters—was constructed. The riverbed is especially vulnerable in this area, so engineers gave it particular attention.
The final stage has already been completed: specialists have restored the new bridge on Antonio Machado Street, which was severely damaged during the flood. Supports and concrete structures were repaired to make the bridge safe again for vehicles and pedestrians.
Plans for the Future
In parallel with the ongoing work, CHJ is preparing a project for the most challenging section—the river’s exit from the city. Currently, an old bridge restrains the water here, limiting the flow. The plan is to create a gentle slope and increase capacity through to the end of the riverbed. The project is still being developed, but it is already known that about five million euros will be required, and the work tender will not be announced before 2026.
According to experts, all decisions are made based on real scenarios and analysis of the consequences of past floods. This approach will not only help reduce the risk of new damage but also boost residents’ confidence in the city’s infrastructure.
In recent years, Spain has faced sharp weather changes, making such projects increasingly relevant. In 2023, similar works were carried out in Murcia and Alicante, where after heavy rains it was necessary to urgently reinforce dams and bridges. In Valencia in 2022, the drainage system was upgraded following a series of floods. These measures help cities recover more quickly and prevent new disasters, which is especially important for regions at risk of extreme rainfall.
