The effects of the storm Gloria in Catalonia: The value of quick-response geological inventories as a tool for risk management

The storm Gloria was an exceptional episode of east storm occurred in the north and east of Spain from Sunday 19^th to Thursday 23^rd of January 2020. The impact was especially strong in the Mediterranean coast, causing the overflow of some rivers, abundant slope movements, cuts in the road and rail network, isolation of populations, and huge damage on the coastline.  It was classified as historical, not only because of the multiplicity of phenomena (wind, rain, snow, and waves) that happened simultaneously, but also because of the extension, affecting the entire Catalan territory. In order to have an overview of the effects of the storm in Catalonia, the Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic of Catalonia has carried out a quick response report (González et. Al., 2020), which has consisted of an inventory of the geomorphological impact and its consequences. The work carried out includes the production of post-event orthoimages of the coastal strip and some fluvial courses, a post-event field survey during the days immediately after, and a compilation of the information published in the media between 01/20/2020 and 02/18/2020. Also, a data collection campaign through online forms sent by email has been carried out, which provides more information of the sea gale effects, and validates and complete the preliminary inventory of slope movements. Thus, an inventory of slope movements has been obtained with a total of 352 documented landslides throughout the Catalan territory. In addition, a geomorphological mapping with the changes associated to river dynamics has been carried out, in two of the most affected sectors in NE Catalonia: the lower section of the Tordera river and the lower section of Ter river. This 1: 5 000 scale cartography, identify geomorphological elements from fluvial dynamics (active fluvial channels during the flood, active flood plain, erosion scarps of river banks, flow direction lines) and from coastal dynamics (washoverfans, coastal erosion and new creation stream-mouth bars). Finally, based on the analysis of the data collected, an estimate has been made of the impact that the storm Gloria has had on the territory, and how it has affected the different municipalities, in terms of damages and economic losses. The results of this quick response report allow (i) to have a geomorphological record of the storm extent in the short term, (ii) to provide basic information for the management and recovery of river areas, and (iii) to propose new strategies for geological risk management, among others.