On the night of Wednesday October 30, heavy rain fell on the Valencia region. In 24 hours, 491 liters per m2 fall, more than in an entire year. The very dry and particularly artificial soil limits the penetration of water into the ground. The streets turn into torrents, the underground car parks into traps. The human toll is heavy. Very quickly, the lack of responsiveness of the authorities and culture of risk was singled out.
A disaster which echoes that of July 2021 in the district of Verviers. The same cold drop phenomenon is observed, although in Spain it is coupled with other phenomena. Following climate change, these extreme rains could become more frequent.
Here, work is underway to make our waterways more resilient and better cope with episodes of flooding and drought tomorrow. Where are we today? Are the highly anticipated MODREC hydrological and hydraulic modeling completed? They were supposed to make it possible to test the different development solutions. What are his teachings?
The multidisciplinary strategic plan for the Vesdre basin aims to adapt the entire territory of the basin, both the valley floors and the plateaus, both natural and urbanized areas. It concerns 25 municipalities. Tests have shown that by developing agricultural land in the Magne valley differently, for example, 30% more water can be infiltrated.
But this strategic plan is intended to be a decision-making tool; it is not binding. So who will carry out these proposals? And with what means?
We take stock in this heart of the debate with our guests:
*Philippe Godin, bourgmestre de Pepinster
*Sébastien Gailliez, director of non-navigable watercourses – SPW
*Xavier Fettweis, ULiège climatologist
Belgium
