A private individual has annexed 12,500 square meters of flood zone in Orihuela Costa, filling a ravine with earth to elevate the land, possibly for future construction. This action raises significant concerns, particularly given the increasing frequency and intensity of atmospheric events, such as the recent DANA catastrophe in Valencia on October 29.
Miguel Ángel Pavón, president of Amigos de Sierra Escalona (ASE), states that the flooded area covers 26,000 square meters of common non-urbanizable land, with half of it at high flood risk according to the Territorial Action Plan on Flood Risk Prevention (Patricova). This ravine, starting near the Protected Landscape of Sierra Escalona, ends at the beach with houses along its path.
Experts warn that if the dumped soil is not removed, a flood could cause a wave of mud to affect downstream houses. Flood expert Joaquín Martínez-Campillo calls the situation “a real atrocity,” highlighting that filling the channel could result in surrounding areas, including homes, being flooded.
Miguel Agulló, president of the College of Agricultural Technical Engineers of Alicante, notes that raising land with earth is common to later build on it. However, in case of a strong flood, this could lead to a situation akin to a tsunami. Geographer and climatologist Jorge Olcina emphasizes that such actions show little respect for the public hydraulic domain and could have severe consequences, particularly given the increasing frequency of intense rainfall events.
The City Council, Generalitat, and Segura Hydrographic Confederation (CHS) have been urged to act. The City Council opened a file in May 2023 and transferred it to the Valencian Agency for the Protection of the Territory, which should handle sanctions and restoration of urban legality. However, there has been confusion over responsibilities, with the CHS stating that the action does not affect the public water domain.
Urban Planning Councillor Matías Ruiz indicates that the land’s status (public or private) has yet to be determined, delaying regularization. The City Council maintains that there is no imminent risk requiring immediate intervention by State Security services or Police. Still, they warn of potential infringement fines ranging from 30,001 to 1.5 million euros.
Beyond the ecological implications, this incident raises serious questions about land use regulations and the protection of public spaces. The encroachment upon a public waterway highlights the need for stricter enforcement of environmental laws and regulations. Local authorities and environmental organizations are urging swift action to rectify the situation and prevent further damage.
Experts agree that immediate action is required to remove the dumped soil and restore the ravine to its original state to prevent potential disasters.
