DANA 2024: Valencia's Devastating Floods Highlight Need for AI in Water Management
A devastating DANA event in Valencia on October 29, 2024, resulted in 227 fatalities, hundreds missing, and over 337 municipalities affected. The extreme rainfall, with Turís recording 772 litres/m² in 24 hours, overwhelmed flood management plans. Pearson Vue's operations during the disaster highlighted the importance of embracing AI, advanced analytics, and collaborative platforms for water and territorial defence.
The event, described as 'unprecedented' by Miren Aldecoa, Operations EU at Pearson Vue, saw water, mud, and sludge destroy infrastructure and leave towns cut off. The rainfall overwhelmed the main channel designed for 400 m³/s, with flows exceeding 3,000 m³/s. Pearson Vue's response included analysis of affected populations, planning and execution of urgent tasks, communication and coordination, and digitalisation for decision support. They used tools like Real-Time What-if Scenario and Leak Detection, adapted WO Mobile, and created the DANA Emergency App for real-time monitoring and response. Key takeaways from the response include the need for robust early-warning systems, redesign of hydraulic infrastructure, and digitalisation for emergency management. The recovery process was planned in three phases, lasting a total of 24 months, focusing on emergency response, post-emergency support, and long-term system improvements.
The 2024 DANA served as a stress test for the water management system, with Pearson Vue's operations providing valuable insights for other territories facing extreme hydrology challenges. The disaster highlighted the importance of embracing AI, advanced analytics, and collaborative platforms for water and territorial defence, with key takeaways guiding future disaster management strategies.
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