Javea prepares to combat floods

AFTER a meeting with security forces and volunteer groups, Javea’s Councillor for public safety Juan Ortolá, announced plans to coordinate all services in the event of heavy rainfalls or ‘Gota Fria’ forecast as highly possible during the coming weeks.

The move has been designed to avoid the catastrophic conditions experienced in October 2007 when the town was hit by floods of gigantic proportions, bringing an unprepared Javea virtually to a standstill for more than a week.

The meeting, which was attended by officers of the Local Police, Guardia Civil, Provincial Fire brigade, Red Cross, Civil Protection and Fire Volunteers from Balcon al Mar, heard mayor Jose Chulvi explain that high September temperatures and current sea temperature of around 26 degrees, were high risk factors that indicate the possibility of ‘Gota Fría’ forces hitting the municipality, a warning the council would be ill advised to ignore.

Each group were asked to review individual tasks assigned to them in an Emergency Plan drawn up for the overall municipality. Plans included cleaning of drains, gulleys and riverbeds and all areas most prone to flooding.

Particular attention was to be given to the River Gorgos bed which has excess reeds and eucalyptus trees that potentially could block bridges if uprooted by strong currents.

Also, as a completely new initiative, the Town Hall decided to send all schools and nurseries orange alerts and notices relating to risk by heavy rains, so they can decide to plan their own preventive measures.

They have also prepared a booklet with recommendations in case of storms and flooding for parents and a leaflet for the general public. Councillor Juan Ortolá stressed that their action was not intended to alarm citizens, but rather to ensure that everyone is properly informed about how to react if faced with a difficult situation.

By Benny Davis