Simon Wade
THE mayor of a Costa Blanca town hit AGAIN by flash floods has blamed mud-filled drains gone neglected since September’s deadly gota fria.
Loz Alcazares’ leader Mario Perez told the Olive Press the drains are the ‘elephant in the room’ as over 100 citizens were relocated over Monday night following torrential rains.
He said he was ‘furious’ that history was repeating itself and blasted Fernando Lopez Miras, president of the Murcia Region, for not responding to a request for urgent preventative measures following the storm that claimed six lives in southern and eastern Spain just three months ago.
“If municipal drains are still clogged up with tonnes of dry mud from September, where is excess rainwater supposed to go?” Perez said.
It comes as emergency plans are back in place as of this morning (Tuesday), with evacuation proceedings underway.
The town centre has also been closed to traffic due to flood waters.
Taking cars out has been banned and residents with upper floors have been asked to go upstairs and not leave their homes.
Maria Jose Lucas Bermudez is an ex-Los Alcazares councillor for highways, parks and gardens – she had a succinct message for Lopez and members of the Murcia cabinet, shared via social media.
She wrote “Those who love to smile in photos, you have no shame, you have no scruples, you have no empathy, because many years ago this had to be solved but it’s worse.
“Get your fat asses out of your comfortable armchairs and get to work.”
If you have been affected by the recent floods, please tell us of your experiences by emailing newsdesk@theolivepress.es
