Renowned researchers from the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), specializing in fields such as hydraulic engineering, urban planning, telecommunications, and climate change, have shared their insights with the media on the DANA tragedy and strategies for moving forward in its aftermath.
In this blog post, we spotlight the latest updates on teaching, research, and graduate staff at Campus Gandia (UPV).
Miguel Rodilla, an expert in environmental assessment and management, emphasizes the urgent need to initiate environmental restoration efforts in the Albufera following the catastrophic flood, which has resulted in significant loss of depth. He also cautioned that pollutants from vehicles and factories pose the “most serious threat” even though they are “not easily detectable.”
Secondly, it is essential to remove plastics carried by the floodwaters. In this context, debris and household items damaged by the DANA also contribute to “negative effects” on the sea and the Albufera, albeit with “a lesser impact.”
Full Article: Biologist Miguel Rodilla (UPV) Highlights, “The Main Issue with l’Albufera is Its Reduced Size” (El Economista, 6-11-2024))
The floods triggered by the DANA have brought a significant amount of reeds, wood, and horticultural debris to Gandia’s beach. Among all this, a substantial amount of polluting waste has also been swept into the sea, including cork, plastics, and glass.
Over 300 beach volunteers from the UPV, led by Miguel Rodilla and in collaboration with Gandia City Council, have come together to assist those affected by the DANA and clean impacted natural areas. They have completed an initial clean-up of Gandia Beach, followed by a second effort at l’Ahuir Beach.
Rafael Delgado, an expert in forest management, describes the recent DANA that impacted the Valencian Community as “the chronicle of a disaster foretold,” noting that “all the risk factors were in place, and it was only a matter of time before it occurred.” He also warns that these weather events “will persist” and “likely with greater intensity” until “we learn to manage rainfall effectively.”
Complete information:
In my country, the rain… – UPV Innovation (UPV Innovation, 8-11-2024)
“We aren’t aware of the risk. We want nature to adapt to us, not the other way around” (Cadena SER, 8-11-2024)
Professor Rafael Delgado (UPV): “It is illogical for people to act contrary to what should be done simply because they are unaware of the protocol” (El Economista, 6-11-2024)
Expert Calls DANA “The Chronicle of a Disaster Foretold”: “All the Risk Factors Were Present” (TelePrensa, 5-11-2024)
Interview with Ferran Dalmau, environmental engineer at the UPV, specialist in sustainability and climate change //The devastating storm in València, experts warn about climate change and the need for self-protection (À Punt – LES NOTÍCIES DEL MATÍ, 31-10- 2024, 10:28)
Development of New Research and Innovation Projects
In response to the recent impacts of DANA in the Valencian Community, UPV is committed to fostering the development of research projects and studies focused on addressing this issue.
To foster new collaborations among researchers from UPV, other universities, research centers, companies, and institutions, we have dedicated a space on our website where you can express interest in adding talent to your DANA-related project ideas.
If you are seeking a specialized collaborator at UPV, we encourage you to submit an expression of interest using this link.
We hope this initiative will spark valuable collaborations and contribute to addressing the challenges and finding solutions for our community.
Network of Specialist Experts
If you would like to contribute your expertise and support as a UPV staff member, register here and help drive the recovery efforts. Together, we can make a difference. Join the Network to Support Those Affected by DANA!
For more information, please contact us via email: psanche@upv.es (Pilar Sánchez from Campus Gandia-UPV).
