Structural measures versus flood mapping in risk management in urban areas: The case of the Barranco de las Ovejas (Alicante, Spain)

This research shows that non-structural measures are more effective than structural actions to mitigate floods episodes. For this reason, risk mapping has been selected as main tool of prevention and protection of natural risks, especially floods, as is indicated by the existing regulations on spatial planning, urban soil uses and water management. The study area is located in Alicante San Gabriel neighborhood - at the mouth of Ovejas ravine, which has registered numerous flood episodes, the most serious was occurred in October 1982. As a result of this flood, the final section of this ravine was channeled. To verify the efficiency of the channeling, a flood modeling has been carried out with the same flow rate recorded in said episode (475 m(3)/s). The results show that, despite channeling, the Ovejas ravine would overflow at various points along its course. A new flood risk mapping and a series of proposals to reduce flood risk and adaptation to climate change, which must be addressed by the administrations (local, regional and state) involved, are presented.