Update of the Emergency Plan in Matarraña in response to the risk of wildfires.

Last month, Carlos Lacaba, manager of the company Geoter Consultores, presented to the mayors of the Matarraña region the revision of the Civil Protection Emergency Plan, a document that, after its initial approval in 2013 and a review in 2021, has been updated to adapt to the new challenges facing this region. In Lacaba's words, it is essential to understand that the risk of forest fires is "very high in almost the entire region," a fact that has gained relevance in the current context of increasing tourist influx and adverse weather conditions. During the presentation, it was highlighted that the rise in visitors, not only in the towns but also in the mountainous areas, has generated new risks. Recreational activities such as hiking or mushroom picking, while generally safe, can turn into emergency situations, especially in the context of forest fires. The combination of a large number of people and the rugged topography of the region poses significant challenges to rescue and emergency services. The Emergency Plan not only addresses the risk of fires but also considers other natural hazards, such as unexpected river floods in popular locations like Salt de La Portellada and El Parrizal. These areas attract numerous visitors, and while visitor numbers have been controlled in El Parrizal, the rest of the areas lack a clear system for managing visitor capacity, complicating management during crises. Carlos Lacaba emphasized that the scarcity of resources in rural areas is a reality that forces municipalities to rely on external services, such as firefighters or forest patrols. The lack of sufficient resources in Matarraña to face emergency situations highlights the urgent need for municipalities to be informed and adequately prepared. Mayors must be aware of the risks present in their territory and provide recommendations to the population, although implementing concrete measures is challenging due to economic limitations. According to the plan, the risk of fire is not limited to specific areas but encompasses almost the entire region, mainly in the southern zone where large expanses of forest vegetation are concentrated. This risk is exacerbated by the abandonment of agricultural lands, which has allowed vegetation to grow unchecked. In terms of prevention, several municipalities are recommended to develop specific plans to mitigate the risk of fires. In addition to fires, the Emergency Plan also addresses the risk of flooding, especially in towns crossed by rivers such as the Matarraña and the Bergantes. The lack of regulation in these waterways can lead to dangerous floods that affect infrastructure and communication in the region. Past events, such as the collapse of bridges during floods, have highlighted the vulnerability of the area and the need to be prepared for such eventualities. In the context of a dispersed settlement pattern in the region, Lacaba emphasized the importance of municipalities knowing the distribution of the population. In the event of a fire or flood, it is crucial to quickly identify individuals who may need evacuation. However, managing dispersed settlement poses its own challenges, as it is necessary to ensure that the population is informed and prepared to act in emergencies. The responsibility for disseminating information falls on the mayors, who must act as intermediaries between their communities and emergency services. In critical situations, it is essential for mayors to maintain communication with citizens and coordinate evacuations if necessary. A lack of communication, whether due to failures in telephone networks or issues with radio transmitters, can further complicate emergency management in storm or snow situations. Finally, the Emergency Plan considers a variety of risks, from natural disasters to accidents involving the transport of hazardous materials. Road infrastructure, such as national roads crossing the region, although not major routes for transporting hazardous materials, can present risks in the event of accidents due to their layout and surrounding vegetation. This underscores the need for both local authorities and citizens to be informed and prepared to face various emergency situations, thereby ensuring a safer environment for all.