Menorca Council Takes Action Following Devastating Storm Damage
In response to the catastrophic storm that recently struck Menorca, which resulted in over 200 liters of rainfall per square meter and caused extensive flooding, the Menorca Council is actively preparing an inventory of damages. This crucial assessment aims to seek a disaster zone declaration from the Council of Ministers. During a visit to Es Mercadal, the municipality hardest hit by the storm, Council President Adolfo Vilafranca emphasized the need to establish potential aid lines using the council's funds to assist affected municipalities.
Third Vice President and Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Teresa Ribera, also visited the island to show appreciation for the emergency teams' efforts and to commend the community's prudence throughout the crisis, noting that there have been no reported personal injuries. "Now comes a part that is delicate, complex, and needs to be done well," said Ribera, referring to the recovery of the local stream, coastline, infrastructure, homes, and the hospitality sector.
Ribera expressed optimism regarding the possibility of receiving a disaster zone declaration. However, she cautioned that the process is strictly regulated and the impact of the storm must first be thoroughly evaluated: "We know that the impact has been significant and concentrated, but the outcome cannot be prejudged."
Collaboration among local, regional, and national administrations has been deemed essential in managing the recovery and reconstruction efforts effectively. The President of Menorca Council reported that the storm's effects have been more severe than initially anticipated, prompting them to request aid from both the Balearic Government and the national government. Following the damage assessment, they plan to communicate the findings to the State's Island Delegation in Menorca, which will then forward the request to the Council of Ministers.
"We will do it as soon as possible," assured Vilafranca, expressing confidence that the situation warrants a disaster zone declaration.
In the interim, recovery efforts are focused on water removal in the municipalities of Es Mercadal and Alaior to restore normalcy, as well as reopening roadways across the island. Juan Manuel Lafuente, the Minister of the Sea and Water Cycle, extended support to the affected residents and noted the importance of cooperation among institutions during this challenging time. He also highlighted the necessity of reviewing stream infrastructures, particularly in Es Mercadal, where local streams overflowed due to the storm, suggesting potential investments to prevent future incidents.
Furthermore, Lafuente pointed out that the Balearic Government is investing 71 million euros to modernize the Es Mercadal wastewater treatment plant, a critical step in enhancing infrastructure resilience.
The Mayor of Es Mercadal, Joan Palliser, described the storm's impact, detailing significant damage to sports facilities, bridges, paths, roads, and a nursery school. The local Town Hall had initially offered the sports center as a shelter for those in need, although it ultimately was not required.
As the local community begins to recover from this disaster, the Red Cross is coordinating efforts with volunteers in Es Mercadal to assist residents in cleaning and removing damaged materials, showcasing a spirit of solidarity and resilience in the face of adversity.
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