An Unexpected Storm Affects Alcanar
At the stroke of midnight, the residents of Alcanar received an urgent warning from Civil Protection, urging them to seek refuge on the upper floors of their homes. The heavy rain falling on the region threatened severe flooding and overflowing streams, a reminder of the devastating consequences that inclement weather can have.
Rapid and Coordinated Responses
The mayor of Alcanar, Alfons Jaume Montserrat, explained in an interview that the alert was activated after a meeting between the City Council and the Center for Operational Coordination of Catalonia (CECAT). With the situation worsening, Montserrat emphasized the importance of staying on the upper floors to prevent possible misfortune, a protocol that has already been used in previous emergencies.
Neighbors at Risk and Preventive Actions
The alert was directed at all citizens, with special attention to residents of the housing estates adjacent to the ravines, which are known for their vulnerability to flooding. Montserrat reported that some residents were evacuated before the situation became critical, with the collaboration of security forces who visited homes to warn of the current danger.
Notable Incidents and Vehicle Rescue
So far, the only noteworthy incident has been the rescue of a vehicle stuck on the N-340 road, in the ravine of Les Forques. Emergency crews acted quickly, managing to remove the occupants without injury.
Local Impact of Heavy Rains
The heavy rain has also left the towns of Valentins and Miliana, in Ulldecona, cut off. Authorities have had to close several roads, including the TV-3322 and the TV-3314, due to the flow of water generated by the ravines. Rainfall has accumulated up to 121.2 liters per square meter in areas such as Ulldecona, with 50 liters falling in just three hours.
Material Damage and Evacuations
In the center of Ulldecona, a dilapidated house gave way to the force of the waters, forcing a neighbor to evacuate as a safety measure. In addition, several homes near the ravines suffered flooding on their ground floors, prompting a quick response from the Fire Department, which deployed eight units to assess the situation in Miliana.
Conclusion: Prepared for the Unexpected
The quick response of the authorities and the cooperation of the neighbors have been key to dealing with this emergency. The ability of the communities to adapt and act in the face of extreme situations is a testament to the resilience that characterizes the inhabitants of Alcanar and Ulldecona. What presents itself as a crisis is also an opportunity to learn and improve future security measures.
