Spain prepares for flood of summer travellers crossing Straits

OPERACION Paso del Estrecho, the operation launched by Spanish authorities to cope with the 2.5 million travellers and 600,000 vehicles expected to cross the country this summer on their way to Morocco, has started.
Starting today, June 15, the operation lasts until September 15 with the busiest days expected to be at the beginning and end of August due to the fact that this year Ramadan ends on July 17, meaning travellers are likely to set off later than usual.
Traffic, police and civil protection and port staff are geared up to ensure the operation runs as smoothly as possible and rest and information points are being set up in Oyarzun, Horcajo de la Sierra, Valdepeñas, Loja, Villajoyosa and Ribera de Cabanes.
Emergency areas, with capacity for up to 10,000 people and 2,500 vehicles, are also prepared for use if necessary.
Civil Protection and Emergency services have taken on 74 translators and social workers to work at Spanish ports where ferries leave for Morocco, and port workers have been given training to cope with the extra work.
A medical assistance service has also been set up in collaboration with the Andalucia and Valencia regions, which will be working along with Red Cross Spain.
The Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality has allotted a budget of €37,000 for medicines and sanitary products and will be intensifying health and sanitary controls at ports and on board ships.