Valladolid has been identified as the Spanish province most at risk of river flooding, with 41% of its housing stock located in flood-prone areas. This equates to 118,600 homes out of a total of 292,774, according to a report by consultancy firm ST Analytics.
The findings are part of the 2024 Mapa de riesgos del parque de viviendas en España (Risk Map of the Housing Stock in Spain), which evaluates risks from river and coastal flooding as well as seismic activity across Spain. Nationally, around 9% of the housing stock—approximately 2.3 million homes—is in areas vulnerable to river flooding.
High-risk municipalities in Valladolid
Within Valladolid, the municipalities with the highest flood risks include:
- San Miguel del Pino
- Viana de Cega
- Valladolid city
- Simancas
- Tudela de Duero
Flood risks in these areas vary from high-probability events occurring once every 10 years to low-probability events happening once every 500 years. ST Analytics based its classifications on data from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO).
Other provinces with a high-risk of flooding in Spain
Beyond Valladolid, the provinces of Murcia, Seville, and Girona also face significant flood risks. In Murcia, 35% of homes are at risk, followed by 26% in Seville and 22% in Girona. By contrast, Cádiz, Málaga, and Segovia are the least exposed provinces to river flooding.
Broader risks to Spanish housing
The report also sheds light on other threats to Spanish housing, such as coastal flooding and seismic activity. These insights offer a broader view of the risks to homes across the country.
Planning for future risks
The study aims to serve as a resource for financial institutions and local governments to better understand and address risks in vulnerable areas. Alejandro González, CEO of ST Analytics, highlighted the report’s significance, stating:
“Our flood risk information map is designed to enhance understanding of the housing market and support informed urban planning.”
By identifying risk hotspots, the study seeks to inform strategies that anticipate and mitigate potential damage, ensuring safer housing and urban development in Spain.
Also read: New homes planned in flood-risk area Orihuela Costa