ARCHIVED - Javea closes beaches to swimmers and takes anti-flood measures

Red flags have been raised and ravines are being cleared in areas at greater risk of flooding in the Marina Alta area of Alicante province

Javea Council has raised red flags at beaches and coves along its coastline to prevent swimming and is taking measures to avoid flooding following heavy rain across Alicante province and the rest of the Valencia region.

The Marina Alta is currently on yellow alert for storms, and swimming is prohibited at La Grava and l'Arenal beaches, along with Portitxol, Granadella and Blanca coves.

Although the regional government's Centre for Coordination and Emergencies has not decreed an alarm situation in Javea, there is a yellow level risk of rain and storms, and the meteorological instability of recent days has prompted the local authority to take a series of preventive measures to avoid episodes of flooding experienced elsewhere in the region.

Council representatives met with the Local Police on Wednesday (September 1) to coordinate the measures, which include cleaning scuppers in areas where water usually accumulates, especially at l'Arenal beach. Ravines along the coastline are also being cleaned and cleared.

In addition, Civil Protection and Local Police will reinforce the municipality's surveillance and prevention service over the next few days, together with Balcón al Mar (Balcony to the Sea) volunteers who will continually check the Costa Nova area. 

The council has issued a series of tips for residents on how to prevent flooding and avoid risks:

Clean guttering and pipes and clear away any objects that could cause blockages;
Remove vehicles from areas that could be at risk of flooding;
Preferably drive on main roads and avoid fords, riverbanks and ravines;
Stay informed of weather conditions and warnings.

IMAGES: Ayuntamiento de Javea