Authorities try to minimise floods

THROUGHOUT the Costa Blanca, town halls are clearing rubbish, reeds and vegetation from watercourses. 

When rain finally arrives this autumn, the usually dry gullies and empty streams will be hard put to drain off the precious water, much of which will run out to sea.  

Keeping them clear is essential, but there is another danger as developments blocked or sometimes eliminated streams and riverbeds in the past, often with disastrous results and occasionally loss of life.  

Local authorities now keep a closer eye on areas where flooding could occur, which is why a Moraira supermarket built in 2006 was ordered to close earlier this year.

In the Marina Baja, on the other side of Mascarat, a Benidorm campsite is currently in the sights of the local town hall. Occupied by fixed and touring motorhomes, it is located in an area prone to flooding by the Barcelo stream, which is unchannelled at this point. 

This is not the first time the campsite has been scrutinised, its licence was revoked in the past owing to the flood risk, but it remains open following a favourable court verdict.

Despite its present legality, municipal sources quoted in the Spanish Press revealed that the town hall’s licensing department was re-examining the case to decide whether there were grounds for closing the campsite.