Sevilla is strengthening its flood defences ahead of further autumn rain and after serious flooding shut down the capital city last year.

Drainage works worth around €42million have already been completed or are underway across the city and its metropolitan area.

Water company Emasesa has been clearing drains, maintaining pumping stations and preparing two existing stormwater tanks, which temporarily store heavy rainfall to prevent sewers becoming overwhelmed.

The preparations follow severe flooding in late October last year, when Emasesa recorded rainfall exceeding 115 litres per square metre in some locations.

For residents, the work aims to reduce the risk of flooded homes, businesses, streets and underpasses, particularly in neighbourhoods with recurring drainage problems.

Between January 1 and October 14, Emasesa inspected and cleaned 101,746 street drains and cleared 456.6km of sewer network.

Maintenance spending during that period exceeded €2.6million.

Sevilla’s two existing stormwater tanks are beneath the Alameda de Hercules and near Avenida de Kansas City.

The Kansas City facility can hold around 41,000 cubic metres of water. Built in 2019 at a cost exceeding €16million, it helps relieve pressure on the Tamarguillo sewer, reports El Correo.

The Alameda tank holds 11,500 cubic metres and makes use of an underground structure originally built for an abandoned metro station in the 1970s.

Both store excess water during heavy rain before releasing it back into the sewer network once capacity becomes available.

However, the existing tanks do not protect every part of the city, and further major projects remain dependent on funding and development.

A proposed €75million tank at Carretera Amarilla would provide 128,240 cubic metres of storage, helping protect parts of Sevilla Este, including Montes Sierra, Alcalde Uruñuela and Calle Economia.

Another proposed tank at Blas Infante, serving the Triana–Los Remedios area, would cost around €25million and hold 23,762 cubic metres.

A further sewer project in the Tamarguillo area, estimated at up to €100 million, is also being studied.

These proposals are separate from the €42million programme of works already completed or underway.

More immediate improvements include a new rainwater pumping station on Calle Anaya y Maldonado, expected to enter service in November.

Electrical control equipment is also being relocated at the Bueno Monreal, Luca de Tena and Palmas Altas underpasses to reduce its vulnerability to flooding.

In Tiro de Linea, contracts have been awarded for larger sewers and a new rainwater pumping station intended to tackle recurring flooding in low-lying streets. Those works are awaiting a start.

Emasesa has also updated its emergency plan for intense rainfall, setting out how teams should respond at different warning levels.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.