Skyline Newsletter Oct-Nov 2024
Flash Flooding
You may have seen in the news recently how Spain has been suffering from flash flooding, especially in the Mediterranean during the week commencing 27th October, with the region of Valencia suffering the most, causing immeasurable damage and devastation, and 216 lives lost to date.
This follows perhaps what has been one of the driest years on record last year, with water restrictions placed in many regions of Spain.
There is heavy debate at the moment as to how many of these lives could have been saved if there had been more pre-emptive and proactive action taken by regional and national governments.
Each party has been blaming the other, and not taking responsibility for the in-action during and after the crisis, taking upto 5 days for official help to arrive and supply much needed food, water, and assistance to the victims.
In the meantime, help and supplies were provided by volunteers who came from all over Spain and abroad. The king and queen, together with the prime minister were jeered during their visit to the area, with mud and objects thrown at them for what the residents felt was abandonment during their time of need.
There were heavy rains again, this time in Andalucia, during the week commencing 11th November, just 2 weeks after the Valencia floods, concentrated in the Malaga and Huelva regions. While not as devastating, but equally forceful, as a consequence of the in-action in Valencia, the Andalucian government has shut down all schools on the heaviest day of rain, even in areas with moderate alerts.
If there is a positive side to this, then perhaps it will be the need for government administrations to re-think and improve their plans of action in these emergencies, and prevent innocent lives being lost. And with all this rain, maybe the next few years will be water restriction free.
Question of Planning
All this rain and flooding has brought back into the limelight the importance of research, planning and environment in the course of urban development.
The area of Valencia most heavily affected by the flooding, is actually known as a flood zone. However, years of little rain, and continued development have meant that these flood plains have slowly been built over.
While this can be considered as modern progress, and has happened in many parts of the world, take Florida hurricanes, and Japanese earthquakes as an example, the lack of sufficient future planning here is the reason for the devastation that has been suffered.
While hindsight is a great thing, what has happened has happened and can´t be reversed. However, with careful planning for the future, and considering the high risk these and other areas face, perhaps future projects will take environmental impact more seriously into account, and help prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In short: Do not underestimate Mother Nature. Otherwise, she will put you back into your place!
We are proud to say that before and after the heavy flash flooding that Chiclana and the Cadiz region suffered during 2009/2010, we have never sold properties in known flood zone areas, carrying out these checks prior to offering any property for sale, which cannot be said for other agents in the area.
Joke of the Month:
I went to my friends wedding last week, it was very emotional, even the cake was in tiers!
Properties:
A stunning collection of properties for sale this month. From ultra modern new builds to rustic style country homes. Call us to secure your viewing today!
Properties to include:
Urban double storey villa in Chiclana ID c0a5m – skyline-costa-luz.com
New build modern villa with pool in Conil ID r0o9c – skyline-costa-luz.com
Countryside villa with large grounds in Chiclana ID p3h5u – skyline-costa-luz.com
Lovely countryside villa with pool for sale in Chiclana ID p3h4u – skyline-costa-luz.com