The Forata dam in Spain is facing critical safety issues, including inadequate maintenance and lack of emergency protocols, raising concerns about potential disasters if not addressed.
On October 29, 2024, a significant emergency was declared at the Forata dam due to the dangerous rise in water levels, which triggered a Level 2 emergency scenario indicating a severe risk of failure. This situation arose when the dam was already at maximum capacity and had to endure additional water equivalent to 200 Olympic swimming pools. Alarmingly, the dam's bottom drainage system was inoperable, it lacked the minimum required personnel, and the emergency plan had not been implemented. Additionally, a safety review that was supposed to take place had been overdue by two years, as stated in a 2023 report.
Despite the clear risks and failures outlined in the report, the Forata dam continued to operate without conducting the necessary safety review or implementing an emergency response plan. It highlights a broader issue affecting many state-owned dams in Spain: approximately 75% lack an emergency plan, and 45% are overdue for safety inspections. These deficiencies pose a significant threat to public safety, especially in the light of past incidents and growing concerns over climate-induced extreme weather events.
Experts warn that without immediate action to rectify the maintenance and safety oversight of these dams, the consequences could be dire. The Forata case serves as a crucial reminder of the need for effective management and proper infrastructural investments to prevent potential disasters that could affect numerous communities downstream. The urgency of addressing these issues has never been clearer, as unchecked conditions may lead to catastrophic events if not resolved promptly.
