ACA and Civil Protection inform on the Darnius Boadella dam emergency protocol

Emergency plans define flood zones and action measures for the population of Alt Empordà, including the use of specific warning sirens.

Generic image of an emergency warning siren installed in a rural setting near a reservoir.
IA

Generic image of an emergency warning siren installed in a rural setting near a reservoir.

The Catalan Water Agency (ACA) and Civil Protection recently distributed informative leaflets to residents in several municipalities near the Darnius Boadella dam detailing the safety protocol in case of a security incident.

Under the slogan “Prevention sounds,” the ACA has developed emergency plans for dams in the internal basins, technical documents designed to detect and manage the risks of serious failure or breakage. The public body warns that, in the event of an incident, the evacuation of the nearest population might be necessary, especially during the first thirty minutes.

"aims to cover the residual risks that exist in any infrastructure, since zero risk does not exist, and a plan must be available in case of a possible dam breach to adapt a population evacuation system"

Carlos Barbero · Head of the Department of Control and Regulation Infrastructures at the ACA
These plans define in detail the areas that could be flooded and outline the rules of action that citizens and authorities must follow. Regarding the Darnius Boadella dam plan, the imminent risk zone includes the municipalities of Darnius, Terrades, Boadella i les Escaules, Pont de Molins, and Llers.
The ACA advises the population to learn to recognize the two siren sounds: the initial evacuation warning sound and the final incident sound. In case of evacuation, residents are asked to move away from flood zones, go to high ground, use main routes, and take basic supplies such as documentation, a flashlight, warm clothing, and a mobile phone. They must also close the house, disconnect electricity and gas, and take care of pets.