Councillor Lafuente highlights ‘coordination with local administrations’ to carry out emergency work on damaged infrastructures

The Minister of the Sea and Water Cycle, Juan Manuel Lafuente, informed the Balearic Parliament today that the Government has allocated 3.4 million euros for the immediate execution of emergency works and services to recover the functionality of the watercourses and restore the areas affected by the floods following the torrential rains that affected Menorca on 15 August, leaving significant damage in the municipalities of Alaior and Es Mercadal. ‘This investment reflects the Balearic government’s commitment to the recovery of Menorca,’ the councillor stressed.

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The government earmarks 3.4 million euros for the recovery of watercourses and the restoration of areas affected by the DANA in Menorca

During his speech, the councillor pointed out that the torrential rains, which exceeded 200 litres per square metre in some areas, caused significant damage to public infrastructures, homes and natural spaces. ‘From the very first moment we activated all the resources at our disposal to manage the emergency and implement the necessary measures for recovery,’ said Lafuente, stressing that the government has been working in close collaboration with the Consell Insular de Menorca and the affected town councils.

Lafuente explained that, in the days following the storm, various urgent actions were put in place to clear the torrent beds, one of the main priorities given the risk of further rainfall. ‘The unblocking of the riverbeds was essential to prevent a repeat of the overflows and to guarantee the safety of the most affected urban centres,’ he explained. Among the interventions carried out, the councillor highlighted the work in Cala en Porter and in the northern basin of the island, which was one of the most damaged areas. In addition, work has been carried out to repair infrastructures such as the emergency ramp in Cala en Porter, which was destroyed by the storm, and the recovery of Son Bou beach, the mouth of which suffered significant alterations.

In his speech, the councillor reported that the government has earmarked 3.4 million euros for emergency actions, with a special focus on cleaning up watercourses and repairing both public and private infrastructures that have been affected. Lafuente also indicated that the total damage is being quantified to ensure that the aid and repair actions are in line with real needs. To date, losses of 6.8 million euros have been assessed, and the assessment work is still ongoing.

Institutional coordination

The councillor stressed the importance of coordination between the different administrations in dealing with an emergency situation of this magnitude. ‘Collaboration with the Consell Insular and town councils has been key to ensuring that the actions are carried out effectively and swiftly,’ he explained, adding that the government will continue to work hand in hand with the local authorities to ensure that the recovery work is completed within the planned timeframe. He also recalled that collaboration with the central government is essential for dealing with emergency situations of this magnitude, especially in areas of the Maritime-Terrestrial Public Domain.

Lafuente concluded his speech by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the recovery of Menorca. ‘From the very first moment, we have been at the side of the victims, and we will continue working until the island is back to normal. Our goal is for the work on the affected watercourses to progress at the planned pace so that, before the end of the year, a large part of the most damaged areas can be restored,’ said the councillor.