On the evening of December 11, 2024, in the municipality of Chera, located in the province of Valencia, an emergency occurred involving the Buseo dam. After prolonged heavy rains caused by a powerful DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), the water level in the reservoir began to rise rapidly. At 8:41 p.m., one of the facility’s responsible employees reported the critical situation to the government of the Valencian Community and the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation (CHJ): the water was on the verge of overflowing the dam’s crest.
Despite the emergency warning, water began to spill over the top of the dam shortly thereafter. The surge rose up to two and a half meters above the protective barrier. A powerful wave rushed downstream, flooding nearby areas and causing chaos among local residents.
Flood aftermath
The natural disaster led to tragic consequences. As a result of the sudden flood in Sot de Chera, two people lost their lives. Local emergency services were forced to operate under total uncertainty, as the situation was developing rapidly and left no time for evacuation.
The water that broke through the dam flooded roads and homes, disrupted electricity and communications. Residents of Chera and surrounding towns were forced to seek refuge on higher ground. Many lost their homes and belongings. Regional authorities declared a state of emergency and began coordinating rescue operations.
Authorities’ response
After the incident, representatives of the Valencian Community government stated that monitoring of the Buseo Dam had been intensified since the onset of heavy rains. However, despite all measures, the water level in the reservoir kept rising, and the situation deteriorated by the hour.
Additional rescue teams and equipment were urgently mobilized. The emergency coordination center operated around the clock, monitoring water levels and coordinating the work of various services. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident and a review of the effectiveness of the alert and response systems.
Current Situation
At present, the water level in the reservoir has stabilized and continues to gradually decrease. Nevertheless, specialists are closely monitoring the dam and the surrounding infrastructure. The region remains on high alert for possible renewed rainfall.
Residents of Chera and Sot de Chera are gradually returning to normal life, but the aftermath of the flood will linger for some time. Authorities have promised to provide all necessary assistance to those affected and to restore damaged facilities as quickly as possible.
