Marbella Beaches Suffer Damage from Recent Storms
Marbella’s beaches are starting to feel the impact of the recent rain and storms. The town hall estimates that about 20% of the coastline’s sand has been washed away, with infrastructures and equipment also suffering damage.
Fontanilla Beach Suffers Most Damage
During a recent visit to the beaches, councillor Diego López highlighted Fontanilla beach as the most affected. Erosion has led to the loss of approximately 10,000 cubic metres of material. The storm has also caused issues with infrastructures, making access to the beach difficult.
Urgent Measures Under Consideration
The town hall is currently assessing the situation and considering immediate actions to restore the coast. López also noted that the Nueva Andalucía beach has experienced a significant loss of sand, compounded by the arrival of invasive algae brought in by the storm.
Other Areas Affected
In the La Venus area, López reported runoff and a significant reduction in surface area. Similar issues were observed in La Víbora and Las Adelfas, with runoff, material loss, and damage to coastal access points.
Preparations for High Season Affected
The storm has also damaged coastal access walkways and showers, which were being installed for the Easter season in central locations. This damage now impacts the readiness of these facilities for the high season.
El Cable and Cabopino Beaches Also Hit Hard
El Cable and Cabopino are among the other beaches severely affected by the storm. The Marbella Emerged Breakwaters Association has publicly criticized the state of the coastline post-rains, particularly in these areas.
Association Criticizes Coastal Authority
The association’s president, Miguel Lima, expressed disappointment with the coastal authority’s decision to carry out sand replenishments at this time, especially the transfer of sand from El Cable and Cabopino to La Fontanilla. He warned that all three beaches are now destroyed and that Marbella is running out of beaches.
Call for Proper Coastline
Miguel Mitroti, a member of the association, stressed the importance of a proper coastline for the tourism-dependent area. He called for the construction of breakwaters, a request that has been ignored for over a decade.
Government Sub-Delegation Defends Coastal Authority
In response, the government sub-delegation defended the coastal authority, stating that it will not allow the expertise of public employees to be questioned without technical or professional knowledge. They added that these are clearly political issues.
