Life returns to normal across the Costa Blanca « Euro Weekly News

All this past week has been marked across the Comunitat Valenciana by widespread weather alerts issued by AEMET and the severe conditions that followed. In the Costa Blanca, an orange alert remained in place throughout Marina Alta, while neighbouring areas such as la Ribera and la Safor were under red warnings.

David Curtis, a Denia expat resident who works in Javea, told Euro Weekly News: “It’s been difficult, but the emergency warnings arrived on time this time.”

“Seeing the authorities and firefighters managing the roads and advising people from the start is very reassuring. We must act responsibly and stay at home as much as possible in these situations,” he added.

In Javea, the 9 d’Octubre Vila de Javea awards ceremony was postponed to October 17 at 6 p.m. at the town hall. In Denia, timetables and locations for various activities were adjusted, with the Día de la Pilota even postponed from October 11 to 25.

In la Xara, the orange alert forced the relocation of the popular community lunch and the Paella Gigante, while the planned Pilota Valenciana match was cancelled along with traditional games and performances by Danses la Muntanyeta, Muixeranga de Segària and Colla la Xareta.

In Benitachell, all events were moved to a large marquee already set up for other activities, and in El Verger, as in Javea, the main celebrations were rescheduled to October 19.

Schools and other facilities closed

On Sunday October 13, just as it seemed the orange alert might be downgraded to yellow, it remained active — prompting both Denia and Javea to take further precautionary measures.

In Javea, afternoon classes were suspended at IES La Mar, the Adult Education Centre (EPA) and the Music Conservatory, while all sports activities were cancelled.

In Denia, all educational and outdoor activities were called off, including classes at the Senior Citizens’ Learning Centres and Youth Workshops.

Authorities also restricted access to ravines, gullies and crossings — including Camí de Gandía and the Zona Alberca — as a preventive measure. The Santa Llúcia Day Centre, sports facilities, cemetery, parks, gardens and the castle also remained closed.

Residents of Grup San Andrés were urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid parking near the area due to its high flood risk.

Incidents caused by heavy rain

Among the most striking images were those of two trees felled by the storm — one on calle de l’Alfageba and another on calle Cala Blanca.

Local Police quickly cordoned off both areas to ensure safety and prevent further incidents. Fortunately, no injuries or significant material damage were reported.

Flooding also affects Gandia

In Gandia, the red alert brought torrential downpours that caused temporary flooding in several streets, particularly in the Barrio de Corea and near the Passeig del Germanies. The local fire service carried out more than 20 interventions throughout the day, assisting residents whose garages and ground-floor homes were affected by rising water levels. Traffic was also briefly disrupted on several main roads until the rainfall eased.

Despite the intensity of the storm, the rapid response from emergency teams and the efficient drainage system prevented greater damage. Local authorities have since confirmed that no serious injuries occurred and that all main services — including schools and public transport — are now fully operational again.

Returning to normality

As of Tuesday October 14, life across la Marina Alta and neighbouring areas is gradually returning to normal. Clean-up operations are under way to clear debris, fallen branches and mud from roads and public spaces. Local councils have thanked residents for their patience and cooperation during what has been one of the most intense weather episodes of recent months.

With the orange and red alerts now lifted, most scheduled activities and public services have resumed, marking a cautious but welcome return to everyday life across the Comunitat Valenciana.