AUTHOR=Martin-Moreno Jose M. , Garcia-Lopez Eva , Guerrero-Fernandez Mariano , Alfonso-Sanchez Jose L. , Barach Paul 

TITLE=Devastating “DANA” Floods in Valencia: Insights on Resilience, Challenges, and Strategies Addressing Future Disasters

JOURNAL=Public Health Reviews

VOLUME=Volume 46 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/public-health-reviews/articles/10.3389/phrs.2025.1608297

DOI=10.3389/phrs.2025.1608297

ISSN=2107-6952

ABSTRACT=The unprecedented DANA floods that struck Valencia on October 29, 2024, caused catastrophic human, economic, and ecological damage, resulting in 223 fatalities, the displacement of 15,000 residents, and long-term health and environmental consequences. Vulnerabilities in urban planning, delayed warnings, and insufficient preparedness underscored systemic gaps in the flood preparedness and management.Analysis and Policy Options: Urgent actions, including stricter urban zoning laws, implementing comprehensive early warning systems, and fostering community-based disaster preparedness are needed to mitigate future risks. A One Health approach that addresses the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health is critical.Investments in resilient infrastructure and communication strategies, including mobile alerts and public education campaigns, can significantly mitigate overall impacts.Moreover, prioritizing mental health interventions and long-term recovery plans are essential for fostering community resilience.The Valencia floods underscore the pressing needs for integrated disaster management frameworks. Strengthening prevention, preparedness, and response measures, and fostering political and community cohesion, can enable societies to build adaptive capacity to effectively tackle the increasing challenges of climate-driven extreme weather disasters.