Escaldes-Engordany Residents Slam Council Over Flooding from Neglected Drains

Residents in the Can Noguer urbanisation and along the Engolasters road in Escaldes-Engordany are voicing outrage over repeated flooding from heavy storms, blaming council neglect of drainage systems and unchecked development higher up the slope.

Saturday's intense rainfall triggered massive water flows that overwhelmed inadequate channels, turning paths into torrents and flooding lower areas. Firefighters intervened urgently, clearing blocked public sewer grates clogged with grass and debris, and warning that "water is worse than fire." No serious injuries occurred, but properties faced damage, with locals describing an "abandonment" that has persisted for years.

Affected residents, who met with urban planning technicians, expressed fury after officials acknowledged long-known issues but deferred action until September. They point to uncontrolled building in upper Can Noguer, where properties lack proper evacuation infrastructure. This has created a domino effect: owners have installed makeshift external channels to protect garages, diverting water toward the Obac stream path. Specific complaints target chalets near Escaldes Park residencial, where trees were felled and sewerage directed outward without required fixes, sending water cascading downhill.

Neighbours criticise the council for prioritising visible projects like ecological gardens while ignoring basic network maintenance. Videos from the incident show paths submerged, amplifying dangers amid forecasts of more storms this weekend. Residents say they "tremble" at the prospect and demand immediate measures.

The community has long pressed the Escaldes-Engordany council for a special urbanisation plan to resolve these gaps, but progress remains stalled. The council has not issued a public response to the latest outcry.