Spain's River Management Agencies Continue Flood Recovery and Face Jurisdiction Dispute

The Confederación Hidrográfica del Miño‑Sil (CHMS) is carrying out restoration work in Viana do Bolo after heavy June rains caused damage to the Regueiro da Canela. President José Antonio Quiroga and mayor Germán García‑Ávila inspected the site, where crews are removing fallen timber, clearing forest debris, repairing the Espinilla river dam and fixing access roads. The agency notes logistical challenges in storing the removed wood and cites the Spanish government's commitment to support municipalities in the recovery.

Separately, the Confederación Hidrográfica del Guadalquivir (CHG) has sparked controversy over jurisdiction of the Río de Oro in the autonomous city of Melilla. The confederation has not clarified whether the urban or agricultural sections fall under its authority, prompting criticism from Melilla’s environment councilor Daniel Ventura. After a previous €4,000 fine for an unauthorized cleaning operation, CHG says any work now requires explicit permission from the Melilla government, while the city prepares to clear vegetation from the riverbed in the coming week.