Costa Blanca
Torrevieja records a 2.8 magnitude earthquake

This morning at 12:23 a.m. , Tuesday, April 15, a magnitude 2.8 earthquake struck with its epicenter southeast of Torrevieja, which was felt widely throughout the population. The quake struck at a depth of only 2 kilometers, “which made it more noticeable.”
The 1829 Torrevieja earthquake was a significant seismic event that occurred on March 21st, 1829. It had an estimated magnitude of 6.6 Mw .
Key points about the earthquake:
- Devastation: The earthquake caused widespread destruction in Torrevieja and several surrounding towns. Almoradí was particularly affected, suffering the most casualties. Guardamar del Segura had to be almost entirely redesigned due to the damage.
- Casualties and Damage: Tragically, around 389 people lost their lives, and 377 were injured. Approximately 2,965 houses were completely destroyed, and another 2,396 were damaged. Bridges over the Segura River in Almoradí, Benejúzar, Dolores, and Guardamar also collapsed.
- Seismic Activity: The decade leading up to the earthquake (1820-1830) was a period of heightened seismic activity in the region. In the months preceding the major event, over 200 tremors were recorded.
- Aftermath and Remembrance: The earthquake had a profound impact on the collective memory of the Vega Baja region. Even today, towns like Almoradí and Torrevieja commemorate the event and the victims. San Emigdio, the patron saint of earthquakes, is often invoked for protection.
- Geological Context: The earthquake occurred in a seismically active area influenced by the Bajo Segura fault system, which includes the Benejúzar-Benijófar, Guardamar del Segura, and Torrevieja faults. The Alicante coast experienced a significant sinking, estimated at about 10 meters, along the Torrevieja fault.
- Building Practices: The earthquake highlighted the vulnerability of the existing construction methods, with many houses built with weak wooden beams collapsing. This event led to a greater emphasis on earthquake-resistant building techniques in the region.
While Torrevieja has experienced minor earthquakes since then, the 1829 event remains the most devastating recorded in the area, serving as a reminder of the region’s seismic history.
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Costa Blanca
Torrevieja aims to have 200 local police officers by 2027

The Torrevieja City Council, a municipality with a registered population of 108,000, has recently added six new local police officers to its personnel. During the summer months, the population of the municipality doubles. Nevertheless, the governing team, which is led by the Popular Party (PP) candidate Eduardo Dolón, aims to have 200 active officers by the end of the current term in 2027. This number is crucial to provide the services that the residents of Torrevieja and the thousands of tourists who visit us annually deserve.
The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, confirmed these facts to the Councillors for Personnel and Internal Affairs, María José Ruiz, and the Head of Security and Emergencies, Federico Alarcón, during the swearing-in of the six officers and two other municipal workers. He welcomed and encouraged them to work with outstanding dedication to continue improving the quality of municipal services in Torrevieja after they had sworn in or promised their positions.
In particular, a Chief Heritage Architect and a replacement Green Team worker, as well as six local police officers (four constables and two officers), have been appointed. Eduardo Dolón emphasised the financial investments that Torrevieja City Council has made in recent years to increase the number of police officers. With over 108,000 registered residents, this initiative aims to meet the city’s increasing security needs.
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Costa Blanca
UK bans EU cheese and meat to stop disease spreading

The UK government has implemented a temporary prohibition on the importation of cheese and meat products from the EU by holidaymakers in order to mitigate the transmission of foot-and-mouth disease.
Since Saturday, travellers have been prohibited from returning with items such as cured meat and cheese, including those used in sandwiches, as a result of the expanding pandemic on the continent.
Regardless of whether the products are purchased from a duty-free store or are packaged or packed, the restrictions remain in effect.
It follows an earlier prohibition of comparable products from Hungary, Slovakia, Germany, and Austria in response to the escalating prevalence of the cattle disease in those nations.
The restrictions are applicable to individuals who arrive in Great Britain, not Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.
If individuals attempt to bring in products, they will be confiscated and destroyed. In “serious cases,” individuals may be subject to a fine of up to £5,000.
Among the restricted products are:
Pork, beef, lamb, mutton, goat, venison, other products created from these meats, such as sausages milk and dairy products like butter, cheese, and yoghurt.
Individuals are permitted to bring a maximum of 2kg of reconstituted infant milk, infant food, or special food that is required for medical purposes.
Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious virus that can result in lameness and nutrition difficulties, as well as blisters in the mouth and under the hooves of animals.
At present, there are no instances of foot-and-mouth disease in the United Kingdom.
The most recent outbreak in the United Kingdom occurred in 2001. Despite the fact that there were only 2,000 confirmed cases, over six million sheep, cattle, and swine were slaughtered.
This is due to the fact that each of those instances resulted in the slaughter and burning of all of the livestock on a property.
The National Farmers Union’s president, Tom Bradshaw, expressed his satisfaction with the government’s decision to extend the initial prohibition, stating that it was “quick” to implement it.
He stated that “increased border controls are imperative” in order to contain the disease.
Mr. Bradshaw advocated for “a comprehensive cross-government biosecurity plan that would establish these restrictions on a permanent legislative basis and receive the requisite investment.”
The Guild of Fine Food, which represents independent food and drink retailers, stated that the ban on ‘holiday treats’ was ‘hurried’. However, it also noted that it brought the UK government’s policy for holidaymakers more in accordance with the restrictions already in place for small businesses.
“The food and drink industry is unequivocally in favour of the importance of biosecurity and the protection of our farmers,” stated John Farrand, the managing director of the Guild of Fine Food.
He stated, however, that the “bureaucracy” that was implemented following Brexit had imposed “significant constraints” on minor food and drink importers and exporters..
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Arrested in Murcia for activities linked to jihadist terrorism

A person has been apprehended in the province of Murcia for alleged terrorist offences by Guardia Civil officers, who are under the supervision of Central Investigation Court No. 2 and the Prosecutor’s Office of the National Court.
Since 2019, the detainee has been aligned with a variety of terrorist organisations, including DAESH. More recently, he has radicalised his behaviour and activities.
The detainee’s family background was previously known, as a close relative was expelled from the country in 2020 for activities that violated national security. This action was taken in response to a complaint lodged by the Guardia Civil’s counterterrorism units with the competent authority.
It was noted that he conducted an extensive number of internet searches and retained information regarding the operation and storage of firearms and explosive devices during the investigation.
Additionally, he conducted information enquiries on the security forces. The requisite measures were instituted to mitigate the potential threat that this individual could pose, as there was substantial evidence of his purported terrorist activities.
After the detainee was brought before the competent judicial authority, he was ordered to be imprisoned.
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