Fire in Benasau leaves localities without internet and critical basic services.

The Provincial Consortium of Firefighters of Alicante has officially declared the forest fire that started last Tuesday in Benasau extinguished, an event that has left a trail of complications in several towns in the region. However, six days after the incident, the situation in towns such as Millena, Gorga, Quatretondeta, Benasau, Benilloba, Alcoleja, and Penáguila is critical, with the absence of basic services such as internet. This issue has generated significant discomfort among residents and local authorities, who have raised their voices to demand urgent solutions. The Socialist Party of the Valencian Community (PSPV-PSOE) has denounced this situation in a recent meeting with mayors and councilors from the affected municipalities. In a press release, the socialists reported that "the municipalities cannot function normally" due to the lack of internet connectivity, an aspect that is essential for the operation of administrative and social services. The impact of the fire has not been limited to the burning of 270 hectares but has directly affected the communication infrastructure in the area. One of the most concerning aspects is that vital services such as home teleassistance have come to a standstill. This means that many users who depend on this service for their safety and well-being cannot receive the necessary care. "This is a crucial issue; all users are seeing that they have no coverage, no security. The service does not exist as of today," lament the socialist representatives, emphasizing the severity of the situation. The impact on local businesses is also significant. Establishments are forced to operate under very limited conditions, as they cannot use card payment terminals and can only accept cash. Additionally, the fact that ATMs are not functioning puts serious pressure on both merchants and customers. This situation has led to a regression in commercial dynamics, resembling the difficulties experienced in past decades. The socialists have expressed their dissatisfaction with the administration of the Valencian Generalitat, demanding that swift action is taken to restore communications in the affected towns. "It is unacceptable that, in these times, we go back to the black-and-white era of the 1970s," they stated, referring to past situations where natural emergencies left villages cut off for long periods. They have also asked the Provincial Council to suspend administrative deadlines so as not to disadvantage these towns, as they currently cannot carry out any necessary procedures to access open subsidies. This aspect adds a layer of urgency to the situation, as the lack of resources could further exacerbate the crisis they are facing. The PSPV-PSOE's complaint also extends to what they consider a lack of attention from the Consell, pointing out that Mr. Mazón's government has abandoned these towns and the rural world in general. "There is no effort being made to combat depopulation. We feel abandoned," they expressed, reflecting the sentiment of many residents who see their quality of life affected by the lack of government action. The current situation highlights the need for a more robust and resilient communication infrastructure, capable of withstanding emergencies that have unfortunately become more frequent due to climate change. The lack of an adequate communication network can be devastating, not only in terms of safety and well-being but also regarding the economic and social development of these communities. At a time when technology can offer quick and effective solutions, the reality is that many of these towns find themselves in a sort of limbo, where the lack of technological resources prevents them from moving forward. Local authorities have called for solidarity and understanding of the situation, hoping that necessary measures will soon be taken to restore normalcy in the region. Finally, this fire in Benasau serves not only as a reminder of the environmental challenges we face but also of the importance of having an efficient communication system that can guarantee the safety and well-being of all residents in the region. The urgency of the situation is palpable, and the response from authorities, both at the provincial and regional levels, will be crucial to ensure that such circumstances do not recur in the future.