Not good for claustrophobia

A TEAM of expert divers, geologists and speleologists from all over Spain are working to uncover the mysteries of the Riu del Moraig ­ an underwater salt and freshwater river said to be unique in the world and located under Benitachell.

Also known as the Riu Blanc (white river), it was first discovered 50 years ago but not much is known about its many galleries and sinkholes.

This prompted the creation of the Moraig Exploration Group (GEM), who since 2013 has managed to get further than anyone ever before while continuing the studies of German speleologist Bernhard Pack, who died during an immersion in the river Moraig in 1992.

Pack, together with Spanish colleague José María Cortés, managed to reach 1,125 metres into this complex cave, with a group of British explorers going further some years later and reaching a distance of 1,350 metres.

Now the GEM has smashed those records by reaching 2,500 metres in distance and 100 metres deep. Added to all the various secondary galleries explored by the group, a total 6,000 metres of cave have now been explored and documented ­ the previous map drawn up by Bernhard Pack totalled 2,500 metres.

CALPE Town Hall has approved a municipal plan to adapt to climate change.

The aim of the document is to prepare for any possible eventuality that may occur in the near future as a result of the climate emergency.

It identifies nine types of risk, namely drought and scarcity of water resources, extreme temperatures and heat islands, torrential rainfall and flooding, rising sea levels, energy dependency, economic stagnation, environmental degradation, and loss of marine and terrestrial biodiversity.

Experts analysed each issue and established predicted scenarios for 2023, 2037 and 2050, suggesting 29 adaptation and mitigation measures to face each risk.

For this year, the document establishes water scarcity and torrential rainfall as the top risks, although they are classed as “manageable”.

Municipal Territory councillor Juan Manuel del Pino said the report is “an action plan to carry out future projects according to the needs of each moment”.

The document was presented during the town hall plenary session, in which the council also approved the new drainage and rainwater management plan.

UP to 73 per cent of holiday visitors to Javea come from other parts of Spain, according to figures published by the Spanish Transport and Mobility ministry.

The town currently has a stable population of around 30,000 inhabitants that is usually multiplied by four during Easter and the summer, reach-