URBAN growth has increased the risk of flooding in Andalucía to such an extent that human life is at risk.
Those are the findings of a study by regional water authority Hydrographical Confederation of the Guadalquivir (CHG).
The report reveals 600 investigations into the illegal occupation of dry riverbeds and coastal land around Andalucía have been opened.
The findings come after flooding caused 80 million euros of damage in homes built in the flood plains of Almuñecar, Granada.
Three hundred tonnes of water surged through homes, washing personal belongings and even cars into the sea.
According to the study, 115 of the investigations are into cases of illegal occupation so severe that flooding could pose “serious risk” to human life.
Between them, construction in the provinces of Almería, Granada and Málaga account for 66 per cent of the total number of infractions.
