Residents of the Orihuela coast are calling for immediate action to clean the riverbeds, boulevards, barancas and ravines following the recent DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos). Unidos por la Costa, led by President Tomás Moreno, has submitted a request to the City Council for “urgent and effective measures” to mitigate flood risks in districts X and XI, which cover the Orihuela coastline.
Moreno emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to assess and manage flood risks, highlighting the vulnerability of the coast to torrential rains. He pointed out that the recent storms have exposed the lack of preparation in the coastal infrastructure, resulting in significant damage and increased threats to residents.
In his letter, Moreno criticized the neglect of gullies and channels since the last DANA in 2019, noting that no significant actions have been taken to address the issue. He also lamented the absence of a surveillance and analysis plan to predict and manage future adverse weather conditions, which are becoming more frequent and severe.
The association condemned the municipal “inaction” that has forced residents to clean sections of the boulevards themselves. Moreno called this situation “unacceptable” and indicative of the City Council’s abandonment of the coastal area. He also noted that urban growth and illegal activities further exacerbate the risk by reducing natural drainage spaces.
Moreno cited Royal Decree 903/2010 on flood risk management, which mandates local administrations to implement prevention and protection plans. The association demanded that the City Council access the necessary files for cleaning riverbeds and plan measures for 2024. “It is time to act and stop making excuses,” Moreno stated.
