Science-Policy BRIEF No.2: Flood Risk Management in Barcelona

The overall aim of CORFU is to enable European and Asian partners to learn from each other through joint investigation, development, implementation and dissemination of short to medium term strategies that will enable more scientifically sound management of the consequences of urban flooding in the future.

Barcelona is prone to flash flooding due to its Mediterranean climate. The rapid response of the catchment leaves little time for residents to be forewarned. A special focus is placed on the development of real-time flood warning systems based on heavy rainfall alerts. Damages are of particular interest in the Raval District in the city centre.

The ideas behind the research have captured the interest of the Barcelona metropolitan area governments, whereas the technical and scientific advancements of the project have demonstrated how these policies can be implemented in their municipalities.