Expatica news

Storm damage bill put at EUR 18m

30 March  2004

MALAGA – The Spanish government said Tuesday it is to offer help after a storm in the Malaga area caused EUR 18 million worth of damage.

More than 1,000 families have been left with damage to their homes and 700 cars were destroyed in the storm Sunday night.

Worst affected was the tiny village of Rincón de la Victoria, where four beaches were said to have been “destroyed” just over a week before the Easter Week holiday.

Streets were swamped with mud from overflowing rivers nearby and there was serious damage to the main harbour.

Traditionally, many Spaniards head for the Costa del Sol for a holiday during Easter, but the storm damage provoked fears the tourist trade may be harmed.

Carlos Rubio, of the regional government of Malaga, said Tuesday the central government would offer all types of help possible so the population can recover from the store damage.

Authorities said many beaches, harbours, roads and the general infrastructure would have to be repaired.

Initial estimates of the cost put the storm damage at EUR 18m.

Meanwhile, in Catalonia, in north-east Spain, heavy rain caused delays and closures on the roads.

Traffic was stop stopped by police on the BV-6001 road at Malgrat de Mar, near Barcelona.

Three cars were forced into a ditch at Arenys, near Barcelona, and their drivers had to be rescued by firefighters.
 
 
[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news