The Legacy of DANA: Abandoned Vehicles and Growing Risks
The recent natural disaster has left a terrifying mark on the Comtat region, with hundreds of damaged vehicles abandoned by the river. Specifically, between 800 and 1,000 cars have been identified as coming from Catarroja, a figure that represents only a fraction of the 130,000 affected vehicles that are scattered in various locations.
An Unsuitable Place for Hazardous Waste
The location chosen to accumulate these vehicles is alarming: a piece of land classified as non-developable land, located less than twenty meters from the Agres River, which is part of a protected landscape. Its proximity to the inhabited areas of Muro increases health risks, especially in a context where fires have already been recorded in waste areas.
Pollution and Environmental Risk
Abandoned vehicles are not only a visual problem, but also represent a real environmental hazard. They contain dangerous substances such as gasoline, oils and brake fluids, which can leak into the soil and groundwater. Authorities from the Generalitat have warned about the possibility that this concentration of vehicles could become a source of pollution and a fire risk.
Need for Effective Solutions
To mitigate this problem, vehicles should be transferred to Authorized Treatment Centers (CAT), where they can be safely managed. However, the department has been slow in its reaction, with interim solutions that do not adequately address the severity of the situation.
Complaints and Legal Action
Given the inaction of the Muro City Council, complaints have been filed with the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation and the court on duty, highlighting the violation of the Water Law, which prohibits any activity that could degrade the aquatic environment. The authorities have been warned about the need to urgently remove the vehicles to an appropriate depot.
The Future of Waste in the Region
The situation is not limited to vehicles; there is a huge volume of waste generated by DANA, with approximately 500,000 tons that need responsible management. The way this waste is currently managed is worrying, with reports revealing inadequate practices and fires that threaten public health.
A Call to Action
What is happening in Muro and other areas affected by DANA is a clear example of the urgent need to improve waste management and ensure that authorities act responsibly. Without an effective response, what began as a natural disaster could become an unprecedented environmental crisis.
