Scientists warn river vegetation removal increases flood risks

Following the devastating 2024 DANA floods in Valencia, scientists are warning against misinformation regarding flood prevention. Some proposals suggest that channelizing rivers and removing vegetation from riverbeds can prevent flooding, but experts argue this practice actually increases danger.

Pau Fortuño, a biologist and researcher at the Centre de Recerca i Aplicacions Forestals de Catalunya (CREAF), explains that river vegetation is naturally adapted to floods. This vegetation acts as a flexible and robust brake during surges. Removing it and channelizing rivers reduces friction, causing water to gain speed and destructive force as it flows downstream, which can worsen the impact when the water hits bends or obstacles.