The document discusses flooding risks and preparedness in Spain. It identifies the key risk areas as the northern basin and parts of the Mediterranean coast, totaling over 500 locations. The main causes of flooding are excessive precipitation from rain storms and snowmelt in high mountain areas. Human activities like paving surfaces and deforestation can exacerbate flood impacts. The document provides tips for preparing for and responding to flooding, such as developing evacuation routes, staying informed of warnings, and knowing how to stay safe during and after a flood.

1. FLOODSFLOODS
IntroductionIntroduction

2. The risks areas in SpainThe risks areas in Spain
are:are:
In Basin North, there are 300
controversial points, mostly in
País Vasco
In the Mediterranean coast
area mainly on the Jucar’s
river banks and multiple
points of Almeria and
Granada provinces and the
Eastern Pyrenees. There is
a total of 245 hazardous
locations

3. What are the causes andWhat are the causes and
those who cause them?those who cause them?

4. Excessive precipitationExcessive precipitation
The rain storms are theThe rain storms are the
main source ofmain source of
avenues. When theavenues. When the
ground can’t absorbground can’t absorb
any water that fallsany water that falls
this slips over thethis slips over the
surface (runoff) andsurface (runoff) and
raises the level ofraises the level of
rivers.rivers.

5. Melting snowMelting snow
The spring meltsThe spring melts
the snowthe snow
accumulated inaccumulated in
winter in thewinter in the
high mountainhigh mountain
areas. If at theareas. If at the
same time itsame time it
rains, floodsrains, floods
may occur.may occur.

6. When a dam breaks:When a dam breaks:
All the waterAll the water
stored in thestored in the
reservoir isreservoir is
suddenlysuddenly
released andreleased and
form large andform large and
veryvery
dangerousdangerous
floodsfloods

7. Human ActivitiesHuman Activities
Effects of the floods are
exacerbated by some of
human activities. The
main are:
Asphalt surfaces
waterproof the soil,
which prevents water
from being absorbed by
the Earth.
Cutting of forests and
crops nake the ground
of its vegetative cover
and facilitate erosion.

8. The effects of a flood:The effects of a flood:

16. The last decade of floodingThe last decade of flooding
with people’s deathswith people’s deaths
YEAR MONTH PROVINCE Nº VICTIMS
1994 OCTOBER BARCELONA 7
1995 JULY GUADALAJARA (YEBRA ALMOGUERA) 9
1996 AUGUST HUESCA (BARRANCO DE ARAS) 87
1997 SEPTEMBER ALICANTE 5
1997 NOVEMBER BADAJOZ 5
2000 JUNE BARCELONA-TARRAGONA 3

24. Measures to takeMeasures to take
 The floods occur as a result of heavy rain in different regionsThe floods occur as a result of heavy rain in different regions
of the country. Some of them develop for several days, others,of the country. Some of them develop for several days, others,
in a few minutes. Heavy rains may cause three perils: floods,in a few minutes. Heavy rains may cause three perils: floods,
torrents and landslides.torrents and landslides.
 If you live in a low area and flat, close to a river, sea or waterIf you live in a low area and flat, close to a river, sea or water
below a dam, you must be prepared to face possible flooding.below a dam, you must be prepared to face possible flooding.
Also, if you live in ravines or close the channels of the rivers,Also, if you live in ravines or close the channels of the rivers,
care is needed with water overflows its natural channelcare is needed with water overflows its natural channel
generating draggable stones, mud, tree trunks and othergenerating draggable stones, mud, tree trunks and other
debris.debris.
 The third danger is caused by softening of the soils whichThe third danger is caused by softening of the soils which
facilitates the release of a land mass.facilitates the release of a land mass.
 Except the untimely floods, others generally have a processExcept the untimely floods, others generally have a process
that makes it possible to take measures to avoid or minimizethat makes it possible to take measures to avoid or minimize
the damage.the damage.

28. How to prepare in advance:How to prepare in advance:
 Don’t build in areas likely to be affected byDon’t build in areas likely to be affected by
flooding, rivers overflow, even if they areflooding, rivers overflow, even if they are
dry.dry.
 If you live in areas where there have alreadyIf you live in areas where there have already
been flooding: Develop faster exit routesbeen flooding: Develop faster exit routes
from your home.from your home.

29. Rainy season:Rainy season:
 Pay attention to alarms or emergencyPay attention to alarms or emergency
signal.signal.
 Pack your personal documents in plasticPack your personal documents in plastic
bags.bags.
 Have a portable radio, battery lamps and aHave a portable radio, battery lamps and a
first aid kit.first aid kit.

30. In case of flooding:In case of flooding:
 Not crossing rivers, bridges or avenues.Not crossing rivers, bridges or avenues.
 Don’t take your vehicle.Don’t take your vehicle.
 Move away from places that could be shotMove away from places that could be shot
down.down.
 Make sure to keep calm.Make sure to keep calm.
 Disconnect the light, gas and waterDisconnect the light, gas and water
services.services.

31. At the end of a flooding:At the end of a flooding:
 Back home once you have beenBack home once you have been
authoritated.authoritated.
 Drink just potable water.Drink just potable water.
 Use the movile in case of emergency.Use the movile in case of emergency.
 Avoid touching electrical wires.Avoid touching electrical wires.
 Collaborate with the authorities.Collaborate with the authorities.

32. THE ENDTHE END
Carlos Terrero Guillamón
2º Bachillerato Bilingüe
I. E. S. Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer