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Finestrat establishes CECOPAL to coordinate preventative measures in anticipation of severe winds today and over the weekend

 

The Mayor of Finestrat, Nati Algado, chaired a meeting this morning of CECOPAL (Municipal Operational Coordination Centre) to organise preventative measures in response to forecasts of strong wind gusts today and over the weekend.

 

The meeting brought together security, emergency and technical services to coordinate resources and ensure a rapid response to any potential incidents.

 

At present, the most significant incident has been the closure of the CV-758 road since 3:00pm yesterday in both directions. The closure allows Red Eléctrica, Spain’s national electricity grid operator, to carry out work to secure elements of a high-voltage power line that posed a risk of falling. Work is ongoing and the road remains closed.

 

Traffic is currently not possible between Finestrat and Benidorm, nor between Benidorm and Finestrat via Vía Terra Natura/Waste Treatment Plant. The road is expected to reopen once works are completed, anticipated around midday today.

 

Mayor Nati Algado visited the site yesterday to assess progress first-hand and ensure residents in affected areas, particularly around La Tapià Marraix, are kept informed.

 

Other incidents resulting from recent strong winds include fallen branches blocking roads, displaced roof tiles and overturned refuse containers.

 

The CECOPAL meeting was attended by the Councillor for Security, Beatriz Quintillán; First Deputy Mayor, Víctor Darío Llinares; Councillor for the Environment, Estela Álvarez; and heads of the municipal departments for Security, Technical Services, Social Services, Civil Works, Urban Planning, Education and Sports, among others.

 

The Mayor stated:

“At 8:15am yesterday we formally established CECOPAL. Although we are currently under a yellow weather alert for wind, forecasts indicate that conditions are expected to worsen today and over the weekend, with gusts potentially exceeding 100 km/h. We urge residents to exercise maximum caution and take appropriate self-protection measures: avoid parks, gardens, wooded areas and construction sites; keep away from windows, walls and roofs; and follow official information channels to minimise risk.”

 

At 11:45am the weather alert level was raised from Yellow to Orange.

 

Preventative measures agreed by CECOPAL include:

• Closure of parks, dog parks, playgrounds, gardens and all municipal outdoor facilities (including the cemetery and recreational areas).
• Suspension of outdoor classes, outdoor sports and activities in the La Foia sports area. This includes the interior of the sports pavilion.
• A ban on lighting fires. Cigarette ends and matches must be fully extinguished.

In addition:

• School classes will continue, but playground use during breaks is suspended.
• Travel and outdoor activities should be avoided where possible.
• Swimming is prohibited at the beach.
• Additional areas may be closed if deemed necessary by the Local Police.
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Residents are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and consult official communication channels for weather updates and safety information.