CNN Portugal interviews ZIGURAT experts to analyse the causes of the devastating floods in the Valencia region

The television network CNN Portugal interviewed ZIGURAT Master’s Directors Carles Romea and Rogerio Lima to understand the possible causes behind the catastrophic floods in the Valencia region on 29th October. These floods, considered one of the greatest tragedies the region has faced, resulted in over 220 fatalities, significant material damage, and the collapse of bridges and other infrastructure.

During the coverage, Romea and Lima provided a rigorous technical analysis based on their extensive experience in metal and mixed structures, as well as in the comprehensive management of construction projects using BIM methodologies. Both experts agreed that the "perfect storm," generated by the DANA (Isolated Depression in High Levels) in eastern Spain, was worsened by urban, geographic, and climatic factors, as well as inadequate crisis management.

Diagnosis of the causes: topography, climatology, urban planning, and management

Carles Romea, Director of the Máster Internacional en Estructuras Metálicas y Mixtas (International Master’s in Metal and Mixed Structures), explained that the situation in Valencia must be understood through four overlapping phenomena: topography, climatology, urban planning, and the management of the situation. He noted that the physical geography of the Mediterranean area—where the "rambla" figure is key—combined with a recurrent climatic phenomenon, was further exacerbated by an “aggressive” urban policy that allowed construction in flood-prone areas. Romea considers it was once a “recklessness” to build in areas that have historically served as natural drainage paths.

In this context, Romea introduced the concept of "urban resilience" in his interview, which he described as a strategic approach integrating urban planning, policy, and the management of authorities to minimise the impact of extreme weather events. Through urban resilience, “a preventive policy can be implemented to minimise such cases,” especially since “this is a known and predictable phenomenon,” concluded Romea.
 

Technology and predictive models to reduce future risks

On the other hand, Rogerio Lima, Director of the Master Online em BIM Management, offered his perspective on the technological tools that could be used to prevent similar disasters. According to Lima, today’s systems can perform detailed simulations of potentially flood-prone areas based on topography, soil type, and historical data analysis. Lima believes these simulations can precisely define which areas are suitable for construction and which are not, thus avoiding or minimising tragedies like the one experienced in the Valencia region.

Lima also highlighted the potential to integrate sensors and real-time monitoring systems in drainage infrastructure. With these devices, authorities could monitor the flow and water levels at various critical points, thus anticipating possible overflow events. He explained that with virtual city models connected to real-world data, early alerts can be sent to the relevant authorities, activating evacuation systems and minimising the consequences of increasingly extreme weather events.

Commitment to improving infrastructure

The professors’ appearance on an international medium such as CNN Portugal underscores ZIGURAT’s commitment to providing technical knowledge and viable solutions to problems affecting millions of people. The combined vision of Romea and Lima demonstrates that to confidently face the future, an integrated approach is needed: sustainable urban planning, intelligent infrastructure management, the use of advanced technology, and, above all, preventive planning to anticipate the impact of adverse climatic phenomena.

The intervention of both experts highlights the importance of incorporating resilience, sustainability, and technical rigor into the design and management of infrastructure, with the aim of minimising the risk and magnitude of future natural disasters.