Lorraine Williamson
A weekend of heavy rainfall in Alicante has led to dozens of dead rats washing up on beaches, raising public health concerns and exposing ongoing issues with the city’s sewage system.
Beachgoers and triathlon participants encountered the dead rodents in the sea near Cocó Beach, Urbanova, and the Real Club de Regatas sailing school.
The incident occurred during a triathlon event, shocking swimmers and beach visitors alike. Children playing along the shore were among those who came across the carcasses. The appearance of the rats follows torrential rainfall, which caused parts of the city’s drainage system to overflow.
Sewage system overwhelmed by intense rainfall
In some areas of Alicante, over 40 litres of rain per square metre fell within one hour. The sudden downpour overwhelmed the ageing sewer infrastructure. This system failure allowed waste and dead animals to be flushed into the sea, later washing up along the coast.
City authorities confirmed that the sewer system could not cope with the volume of rain. These events have reignited concerns about the condition of Alicante’s drainage infrastructure during increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
Waste mismanagement worsens blockages
One of the main contributors to sewer blockages is the improper disposal of items like sanitary products. According to local waste management reports, over 1,000 tonnes of sanitary towels are removed from the Alicante sewer network each year.
This kind of waste severely hampers the system’s ability to manage high volumes of water. During storms, these obstructions increase the likelihood of raw sewage and animal remains being discharged into the sea.
Political reaction and demand for action
Trini Amorós, deputy spokesperson for the socialist municipal council group, called the incident “unacceptable for Alicante.” She urged the city government to take immediate action and demanded an explanation from Mayor Luis Barcala.
Amorós also called for a comprehensive review of the city’s sewer maintenance strategy and the implementation of new measures to prevent future incidents.
Public awareness and infrastructure investment needed
The incident highlights the ongoing need for investment in Alicante’s public infrastructure, especially in light of more frequent extreme weather events. However, officials also stress the role of public behaviour in reducing the strain on local systems.
Improper waste disposal directly contributes to these types of failures. City leaders are now calling for greater public awareness and responsibility regarding what is flushed down toilets and drains.
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