The torrential rains that struck eastern and southern Spain in November 2024 caused at least 232 deaths and significant material damage, including the foundations of roads. Sorigué is undertaking repair and restoration works on the eroded structures of six roads in the provinces of Valencia and Cuenca.  

These projects, commissioned by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility through the General Directorate of Roads, began in January and will continue for the next 12 months. 

The interventions on the A-3, NIII, N-322, N-322a, N-330, and V-11 affect the Valencian towns of Fuenterrobles, Requena, Siete Aguas, Buñol, Utiel, Quart de Poblet, and Manises, as well as Landete in Cuenca. 

Structural rehabilitation  

Eroded, undermined, or destabilized by the floods, the road foundations require rehabilitation in several phases. First, debris accumulated under the crossing structures must be cleared to restore their hydraulic capacity. During this stage, essential water pumping is carried out to inspect and identify damage.  

Next, geotechnical surveys are conducted to assess the terrain and determine the most suitable restoration method for each case. For example, some roads will require new protective riprap layers, while others will need embankments to safeguard eroded structures.  

To ensure the operability and safety of the roads, Sorigué’s team is responsible for structural rehabilitation and the repair of any damage detected in the foundations, piles, and/or vertical profiles of piers and abutments caused by the combined action of water and transported sediments.  

Emergency involvement  

From 29 October to 15 November 2024, Valencia faced an unprecedented tragedy due to intense rainfall, with up to 179 litres/m² per hour. Considered one of Spain’s worst hydrological disasters, this meteorological phenomenon known as DANA destroyed thousands of cars, homes, and infrastructures.  

From the outset, Sorigué’s delegation in the Valencian Community coordinated with the Generalitat’s Directorates of Infrastructure and Emergencies, providing support with heavy machinery and equipment such as backhoe loaders and tipper trucks to assist in clean-up and debris removal efforts.  

In this effort, a team from the group’s Building division, consisting of three crews and over 16 people, contributed to the cleaning and repair of schools in some of the hardest-hit areas, such as Catarroja, Paiporta, Sedaví, and Alfafar, where repairs and conditioning tasks were also carried out.  

Additionally, the CSR and Compliance Department launched campaigns to collect materials and organize volunteer efforts.