Just weeks before Spain’s summer season begins, beaches in Marbella have lost 20% of their sand during the latest storms. The storms have also dumped an array of invasive algae on the resort’s shores.
Diego Lopez, the city’s Councillor for Environment, Beaches and Ports, confirmed the damage. Situated in the heart of Marbella, Playa de la Fontanilla has been the hardest hit. Stretching 0.6 miles, Fontanilla is one of the main beaches in the middle of Marbella’s town centre. Located to the west of Marbella Marina, this beach has lost 10,000 cubic metres of sand.
Mr Lopez said: “Fontanilla beach is the hardest hit… erosion there has caused the disappearance of some 10,000 cubic metres of sand.
“We at the City Council are analysing the situation and studying urgent measures for the recovery of our coast.”
He called on Government departments « to carry out immediate actions to guarantee the regeneration of the beaches and the repair of the affected facilities ».
As the high season hangs in the balance, Fontanilla Beach also has a « significant » drop that makes accessing the water difficult, according to Mr Lopez.
Nueva Andalucía, the largest neighbourhood in Marbella, which has an upscale marina with luxury boutiques, chic waterfront restaurants, and luxury late-night bars, has also suffered “a significant loss of sand”.
Venus Beach, a central point between the old fishing port and the Marbella Marina, has also experienced a « significant reduction in its surface area », as has El Cable Beach, which is a favourite among Marbella locals.
Cabopino Beach, a natural paradise, has seen a significant reduction in the width of the beach.
The councillor also said walkways have been damaged, « affecting the preparation of facilities for the high season. »
The entire southern region of Andalucia has been placed on either a yellow or orange alert today by state weather agency Aemet.
Winds could also exceed 90km/hr in some areas of central and northern Spain as well as the western coast of Majorca, and heavy rain are expected.
Source link
