An annual event

We were warned that there would be very heavy rain yesterday. Storms in this area are almost an annual event you can put on the calendar.

According to one paper, 86 litres per square metre fell In Orihuela in just one hour. Another paper puts the figure at 46 litres per square metre. Whatever amount,the effect was flooding of streets and homes and washing debris out from ditches. In Torrevieja, 53 litres per square metre was recorded with much the same result.

In an area that has infrequent rain, there is very little that can be done to prevent flooding when so much water falls in such a short time. The drains at the side of the roads have no chance of carrying that much water. They would need to be doubled or even tripled in size to cope.

The good news is that, although there is a possibility of more rain today, it will only be light in comparison. That is no comfort for those whose homes were flooded yesterday but at least they can start to dry things out.