Torrevieja prepares a special security operation and sets up two viewing points for the August 12 solar eclipse

The Torrevieja City Council held a meeting of the Municipal Operational Coordination Center (CECOPAL) to coordinate the special operation planned for the solar eclipse that will take place next Wednesday, August 12, and to establish the necessary measures to guarantee safety in the face of the expected concentration of people that will occur to observe this phenomenon.

The City Council will set up two designated viewing points for the eclipse: the Torrevieja International Auditorium and Antonio Soria Park. Additionally, the urban transport service connecting to both locations will be reinforced to facilitate travel and improve access by public transport.

With the aim of facilitating travel and avoiding a greater concentration of private vehicles in the two designated areas, the City Council will launch two special shuttle bus services, one to the Antonio Soria Park and the other to the Torrevieja International Auditorium.

Both shuttle buses will depart from Gregorio Marañón, Hotel Fontana and the Bus Station, with outbound services scheduled for 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM and return services at 8:40 PM and 9:15 PM.

In the case of Antonio Soria Park, the shuttle will have as its destination the market stop located on Monge y Bielsa Avenue.

These special services will complement the regular urban transport lines that provide access to the vicinity of the two observation points. The Circular C1 line stops at Antonio Soria Park, while the Gregorio Marañón–La Mata Health Center line (and vice versa) stops at Quirón Hospital, facilitating access to the International Auditorium area.

The planned operation will include the presence of security services at both designated points, as well as in particularly sensitive areas where there are restrictions due to the risk of forest fires, paying special attention to the La Mata and Torrevieja Lagoons Natural Park.

In Torrevieja, the eclipse will be partially visible, reaching approximately 98%, and will begin around 7:40 p.m. The phenomenon will last until approximately 8:35 p.m., although sunset conditions will affect its visibility from the town, with nightfall expected around 9:00 p.m.

The City Council reminds everyone that those planning to observe the eclipse must do so strictly following the protection measures and recommendations established by the health services, avoiding at all times direct observation of the Sun without special approved glasses that comply with the international standard ISO 12312-2.

LEVEL 3 PRE-EMERGENCY DUE TO MAXIMUM RISK OF FOREST FIRES

The Valencian Government has established for the entire day of Wednesday, August 12, the pre-emergency level 3 (maximum risk) of the Special Plan against the Risk of Forest Fires throughout the territory of the Valencian Community, given the extreme level of risk and the crowds expected due to the solar eclipse.

The declaration of the maximum risk level implies a series of mandatory restrictions in the forest lands of the Valencian Community, including the prohibition of the transit of people through paths and cross-country and the prohibition of lighting any type of fire in forest lands and in its area of influence, established up to 500 meters.

For this reason, the municipal authorities will pay special attention to the natural and forest areas of the municipality, with the aim of ensuring compliance with the established restrictions and avoiding risky situations arising from possible concentrations of people.

Animal protection recommends preventative measures during the eclipse

The Animal Protection Department of Torrevieja City Council recommends that pet owners take a series of preventative measures to ensure their animals are safe during the eclipse. The decrease in light may cause some animals to become disoriented or behave for a few minutes as if it were nightfall, a brief and completely normal reaction. For this reason, pet owners are advised to maintain their usual schedules and routines, as a calm and normal environment is best for animals to experience this phenomenon.

Among the main guidelines, it is recommended to act calmly, avoid crowds and situations that may generate stress, and not to let animals roam free, especially in open spaces or crowded areas, given the possibility that they may become disoriented, wander off, or get lost.

It is also important to remember that animals should not be forced to look directly at the sun. Dogs and cats do not need special eclipse glasses, but they should not be forced to observe the phenomenon.

All these recommendations will also be applied at the Municipal Animal Shelter, where both workers and volunteers who regularly collaborate with the center will take extra precautions and ensure the well-being of the animals during the eclipse.

The Torrevieja City Council appeals to the cooperation and responsibility of residents and visitors throughout the day, recommending the preferential use of the two spaces set up to enjoy the eclipse and respecting at all times both the instructions of the security services and the restrictions established due to the maximum risk of forest fires.