Simon Wade
THE Costa Blanca has this morning begun reconstruction efforts after the region’s worst storms in 140 years.
Six lives have so far been claimed by the torrential rain and catastrophic flooding that has destroyed 300,000 hectares of agricultural land.
The regional government issued a joint press release this morning with the Ministry of Defence, regarding the flooding in the Vega Baja.
Previously under a city-wide curfew, Orihuela is no longer cut off and the river authority advises that the level of the Segura River is now falling.
One breach in the Segura River has been mended and a second is still being worked on.
More than 600 soldiers from the UME brigade are working in the area with specialised equipment to extract water from flooded areas.
More than 1,000 Guardia Civil officers were also deployed, along with 500 Policia Nacional.
More than 1,900 people were rescued in the Vega Baja yesterday, an area that received almost no warning over the weekend.
In Almoradí, electricity supplies have been restored, but authorities are still working on the water supply.
Spain’s Met Office, AEMET, said light rain is expected in the worst-hit region (Orihuela) today, but thunderstorms will return on Friday.
Some roads are still closed, so members of the public are asked to check social media for updates.
If you or your family have been affected by the flooding, please contact The Olive Press on newsdesk@theolivepress.es
