• This new PGRI improves the definition of evaluation indicators; it emphasises natural retention measures; it uses a new cost/benefit analysis methodology; it makes the effects of climate change more visible and more valuable, etc., which will allow for better management of events.
• “The aim is to reduce, lessen and foresee the impact that these floods may have, since it is not possible to avoid them,” concluded the president.

José Antonio Quiroga, president of the Miño-Sil Hydrographic Confederation (CHMS), an autonomous body under the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, today chaired the presentation of the “Flood Risk Management Plan for the Miño-Sil Demarcation, second cycle” in which more than a hundred attendees from the various public authorities, groups and individuals took note of the peculiarities included in the new text.

“Floods are a natural risk that over time have caused damage to people and their property, so it is important to combat the effects of these through the implementation of warning systems, coordination between the various public authorities, hydrological-forestry correction and the correct application of land-use planning measures,” stressed Quiroga.

Regulations

In 2007, the European Parliament approved Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks (transposed into Spanish law through Royal Decree 903/2010, of 9 July, on the assessment and management of flood risks).

This regulation requires the following tasks, which are reviewed every 6 years: Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (EPRI) and identification of Areas of Significant Potential Flood Risk (ARPSIs), preparation of Hazard Maps and Flood Risk Maps (MPRI) and drafting of Flood Risk Management Plans (PGRI).

The new PGRI

The PGRIs constitute the final phase of the work and aim to achieve coordinated action by all public administrations and society to reduce flood risks and reduce the negative consequences of floods, based on the programmes of measures and the principles of solidarity, coordination, inter-administrative cooperation and respect for the environment.

In this new Plan, some aspects already identified in the previous cycle have been improved, including: a better definition of the evaluation indicators; greater emphasis on the introduction of natural water retention measures (green infrastructures), as a more suitable alternative to traditional protection measures; the use of a new cost/benefit analysis methodology; making the effects of climate change visible and valuing them; and incorporating the National Civil Protection Strategy and the new Special Autonomous Community Emergency Plans for Flood Risk.

The main objectives of the PGRIs include raising social awareness of the risks of floods and the strategies to be followed; in addition to total administrative coordination and improved knowledge among the actors involved in flood risk management (Local Administrations, Civil Protection, etc.) as the key to prevention and preparedness for any incident.

“Finally, it is essential that the administrations and also the citizens are aware of the existence of the available consultation tools, which can be very useful to avoid unexpected situations that could cause damage to people and their property. The aim is to reduce, lessen and foresee the impact that floods may have, as it is not in our power to prevent them,” concluded the president.