Le système automatique d'information hydrologique (SAIH) en Espagne dans la gestion des crues fluviales. Expériences d'utilisation

Automatic system (SAIH) of hydrological information in Spain for river flood management. Using experiences

¹ Confédération Hydrographique Sud de l'Espagne
² Ministère Espagnol de l'Environnement
³ Aminsa

Abstract

Methods of river flood management in Spain have undergone a veritable revolution in recent years, from the progressive putting into operation of the SAIH (Automatic System of Hydrological Information) in the peninsular territory. The terrible episodes suffered in 1982 and 1983 marked a milestone in this sense, becoming the basic reason which generated the decision of the Spanish hydraulic administration to implant these systems. Designed from criteria of maximum technological innovation, the SAIH have fulfilled satisfactorly the objectives with which they were set up. Furthermore, they have grown into a real generator of development and innovation, both in the hydraulic administration itself, of which they form part, as well as in the rest of the bodies involved in the management of river flood situations, the ultimate purpose of which is the reduction of potential damage. In this paper, the main characteristics of these systems are described, they are fitted into the administrative and territorial frame with which they relate and, as an example, some real events that have occurred are described.