Spatial analysis of catastrophic flooding in the metropolitan area of Murcia over the last 100 years

Floods represent the most diverse, destructive and frequent natural hazard worldwide and are one of the most significant causes of loss of economic and social assets. In recent years, an increase in the quantity and intensity of this phenomenon can be observed. The factors are manifold, but two stand out: increased hazards as a consequence of anthropogenic climate change and increased exposure and vulnerability of the population and its economic assets. One of the most conflictive areas of the planet are the Mediterranean regions, due to the combination of both factors. Among the hot spots, the Southeast of Spain stands out, with a situation aggravated by a semi-arid climate, but with a highly irregular and torrential rainfall distribution.

These factors are particularly problematic in urban areas, making it necessary to precisely locate the areas at risk in order to establish effective adaptation measures. For this reason, this paper compiles historical information on the main flood events from 1900 to the present in the metropolitan area of Murcia, the main urban area in southeast Spain. The information collected comes from newspaper sources. Subsequently, this information has been geolocated and analyzed with Geographic Information Systems. The results reveal that, in general terms, the damage is concentrated mainly in the areas near the Segura River. Additionally, and to a lesser extent, there is a significant concentration in its main tributary, the Guadalentín River. However, it should be noted that during recent flooding episodes, the areas affected are being modified, involving new urbanized areas, far from the main riverbeds and located in flood zones due to the passage of secondary watercourses such as wadis. Finally, it is worth noting that there has been an increase in the number of low-intensity damage points. However, on a positive note, it has been observed that higher intensity damage is decreasing.