16/02/2026 - TodoAlicante
Residents of Benillup demand immediate action from the Generalitat in response to the threatening advance of the Caraita ravine
Pau Sellés
Monday, 16 February 2026, 08:25
Days ago, news outlets worldwide broadcast the shocking images of the Italian town of Niscemi, perched literally on the edge of an abyss following a landslide caused by severe weather. This landslide, stretching over four kilometres, left buildings and streets hanging over a precipice, with more than 1,500 people evacuated and a state of emergency declared by the Italian government.
Such a catastrophic scenario is not far from occurring in a village in the interior of the Alicante province. Benillup, nestled in the rural region of Comtat, has been anxiously witnessing the advance of the Caraita ravine for over 20 years.
Effects of the recent landslides in the Italian town of Niscemi. EP
This geographical feature runs through the urban core of the village, with several homes located very close to the slope. The situation has become particularly alarming since 2004, a year from which the erosion of the land has become commonplace due to intense rainfall episodes. Fear and uncertainty are a constant among the residents, as some of their homes are just a few metres from the precipice.
The situation has been brought to the attention of various public administrations, especially the Generalitat Valenciana and the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation. For more than two decades, technical reports, photographs, testimonies, and alerts have been compiled on how the instability of the land endangers homes, infrastructure, and potentially, people. This demand—aimed at consolidating the ravine's course and preventing greater harm—has yet to receive a comprehensive response or a solid structural action plan.
Letter to the President
The latest attempt at dialogue has been the sending of a letter to the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, asking him to personally engage in resolving this issue.
In the letter sent to the President of the Generalitat, the residents detail the case's background, the administrative path followed, and the current risk situation, calling for clear political leadership to drive coordination between ministries and unlock a definitive solution. "We are not asking for privileges, just to live in our village without fear every time it rains," they state.
"The Caraita Ravine is a well-identified black spot for years. We hope it won't take a tragedy to prompt action."
Residents of Benillup
The residents hope that the Presidency of the Generalitat Valenciana will heed this request and provide a clear response, especially in the current context of climate change and following recent events in other regions. These episodes, they point out, demonstrate what can happen when known risks affecting inhabited areas are not addressed in time. "The Caraita Ravine is a well-identified black spot for years. We hope it won't take a tragedy to prompt action," they warn.
They also remind that Benillup is a small municipality with very limited resources, unable to undertake such a significant technical and economic action on its own. Therefore, they call for a solution led by the Generalitat Valenciana to ensure the safety of the people and the future of the village.