Valencia is beginning to install modern cameras and radar that will monitor water levels in the new course of the Túria River. This decision follows the destructive rains and flooding that hit the city and its surroundings at the end of October 2024. The disaster affected the districts of La Torre, Castellar-l’Oliveral, and El Forn d’Alcedo, raising concerns about the city’s preparedness for such situations.
A total of six surveillance cameras will be installed at key locations. They will be placed in La Torre, Pinedo, Castellar-l’Oliveral, El Forn d’Alcedo, the Vara de Quart industrial zone, and at the municipal transport company’s depot. Special attention will be given to the bridge in La Torre, where, in addition to a camera, a radar will be installed to precisely measure water levels.
The equipment will cost the city nearly €48,000. The cameras will be mounted on street lamps, allowing them to cover up to a kilometer in both directions. With pan, tilt, and zoom functions, as well as night vision, the system will provide full monitoring of the riverbed at any time of day. All data will be sent to the municipal police control center, where it can be promptly analyzed and stored.
Technology against the elements
The introduction of new surveillance tools is expected to improve response times for emergency services in the event of a flood threat. The municipality hopes this will allow for faster decision-making and better coordination between rescue teams and civil protection authorities. Officials have also asked hydrological services to conduct an additional assessment of the new riverbed’s capacity, noting that during the most recent flood the water level came dangerously close to the critical point, despite the absence of runoff from side ravines.
City officials insist on the need to establish an early warning system for all bodies of water and ravines to minimize risks to the public. Meanwhile, the opposition has criticized the project, recalling the tragic impact of the recent disaster and accusing authorities of ineffective measures. In their view, existing monitoring systems already provide real-time tracking, while new cameras are merely for show.
Safety and controversy surrounding the new measures
Despite disagreements, the installation of cameras and radar marks a step toward modernizing urban infrastructure and strengthening protection against natural disasters. Authorities are confident that new technologies will help prevent future tragedies and give Valencia residents greater peace of mind. Questions remain about whether these measures are sufficient and if further investment in flood protection is needed. However, one thing is clear: the issues of safety and preparedness for extreme weather events are becoming increasingly important for Valencia.
