This map does not represent dams removed in Valencia, Spain

Context

False claims have been circulating linking the deadly floods in the Valencia province of Spain on October 31, 2024, to the removal of dams (example archived here). Specifically, an image purportedly representing a map of demolished dams in the region has gained widespread attention (archived here).

However, this claim is not true. Experts have clarified that no large dams or reservoirs in the region have been removed. Moreover, the widely shared map actually shows existing and intact weirs rather than removed dams.

The idea that dam removals contributed to the floods circulated widely following the catastrophic weather in Valencia, which left more than 220 people dead. 

An article published by The Guardian titled "Record number of river barriers removed across Europe in 2023" was frequently shared with an alleged map of removed dams days after the flood.

An article titled "Record number of river barriers removed across Europe in 2023" has been shared alongside the alleged map of removed dams days after the floods in Spain. (Source: Facebook/Screenshot/Modified by Logically Facts)

In fact

Upon reviewing the Dam Removal Europe map, it is clearly visually distinct from the one circulating in social media posts. Furthermore, it confirms that no large dams have been removed in the Valencia region.

The Dam Removal Europe map looks different from the one shared on social media and demonstrates that no dams have been removed in Valencia. (Source: Dam Removal Europe, screenshot)

Instead, the Amber Barrier Atlas — the first European map of river barriers — appears to match the image in question. Analyzing the map's legend reveals that the blue dots shown in the social media post correspond to weirs — small structures that either raise water levels or redirect water flow. Importantly, all the barriers depicted on the map are present and functional, not removed or destroyed.

The map from the post demonstrates existing weirs, not destroyed dams. (Source: Amber International/European Barrier Atlas/Screenshot/Modified by Logically Facts)

Eva Hernandez, the Lead of WWF's Living European Rivers initiative, confirmed to Logically Facts that "no dams have been dismantled in or around the flooded area, with only seven small weirs removed to comply with the law." Hernandez further emphasized that "Weirs — whether they are there or not — have zero impact on extreme floods like these."

The Guardian article references the Dam Removal Europe report, noting that Europe removed a record number of river barriers in 2023. However, most of these barriers were small, and further explanations are provided for their removal — to eliminate dangerous and obsolete structures and to restore free-flowing rivers.

When published together, data on dam removals and news of extreme floods can create a misleading impression of a causal relationship. This effect can also arise when information about dam removals circulates after flooding events. However, facts and expert assessments make it clear that the removal of small barriers in the Valencia region is not connected to the occurrence of extreme floods and their catastrophic consequences. 

The verdict

The map circulating on social media is misleading. It shows existing weirs, not destroyed dams. According to experts, the only barriers removed in the Júcar river basin — the area most affected by the floods and which includes the province of Valencia — were small weirs, and their removal had no impact in the context of severe flooding.