FLOOD PLANS NEGLECTED

Dry summer and high temperatures will provide prime conditions for 'Gota Fria' downpours next month - and many councils are unprepared

OVER a hundred towns in the Valencia region lack any sort of flood emergency plans, the regional government has warned this week.

While high temperatures and lack of rain continue to hit the headlines, it is a wellknown fact that these conditions are usually followed by heavy downpours (commonly known as 'Gota Fria') when sudden pockets of cold air arrive in September and October.

Flash floods are most common and in the past have caused millions of euros worth of damage, but worst of all, cost several lives that could have been saved if preventive measures had been taken and flood plans were enforced.

Speaking in Villajoyosa this week, the director of the regional emergency services, José María Ángel, warned that only 20 of the 136 towns where there is a high risk of flooding have specific emergency plans for such events.

Plans must include evacuation, water contingency, rescue and medical emergency protocols.

Sr Angel has called on the over 100 councils that have so far failed to do so to swiftly design and approve specific plans for their muncipalities.

He did not wish to name the towns, so as not to raise unnecessary alarm among residents, but he assured his department would be contacting those councils directly on this matter.

The emergency services boss also pointed out the need for every single resident to be prepared is case of flooding.

For this reason, residents must take into account the following nine steps in case of torrential downpours and storms:

1) Avoid high places such as mountain summits.

2) Stay away from open fields, and never seek refuge under a tree.

3) If you are swimming, do not remain in the water.

4) Avoid metallic fences and do not use a bicycle.

5) Seek refuge inside a building.

6) Close all doors and windows - currents attract lightning.

7) If you are driving, wind up your windows, drive slowly and never stop in areas with large amounts of water.

8) Unplug electrical devices so they do not suffer surges.

9) If you need help, call 112.