Castile and León activates civil protection plan ahead of solar eclipse

According to ABC, the measure was taken due to the significant increase in expected movements and crowds, along with the high risk of forest fires.

Two million people have been estimated as potential visitors for the solar eclipse event. The activation of the Plancal allows for "strengthening the coordination of autonomous prevention, surveillance, and response devices" for the phenomenon. The prepared operation includes reinforcement of Civil Protection and Security devices, as well as coordination with fire prevention and extinguishing services, health and emergency resources, and traffic and mobility authorities.

The provincial Cecopi (Integrated Operational Coordination Centre) will be responsible for monitoring the situation throughout the day in their respective territories and will remain coordinated with Civil Protection. During the day, measures such as traffic regulation, diversions, access restrictions, or additional parking zones may be established, with the primary goal of keeping emergency service access routes clear.

Citizens are advised to travel in advance and avoid unnecessary movements during peak hours. There is a call for citizens to "exercise extreme caution" in the natural environment, avoiding bonfires, barbecues, and any other activity that could cause a fire, as well as the use of fireworks. Paths, forest tracks, access roads, and areas used by emergency services "must remain completely clear."

The operation includes reinforcement of healthcare and emergency services, as well as communications. The Regional Government held meetings with the Association of Supermarkets in Castilla y León and the food distribution sector to anticipate needs arising from the temporary population increase in certain municipalities.

This step concludes months of planning at the provincial level and allows for "strengthening the autonomous coordination of prevention, surveillance, and response devices" for the phenomenon. The activation of the Plancal since Monday allows for "integrating the coordination of provincial devices, reinforcing monitoring, and facilitating the mobilisation and coordination of resources across the region."

Regarding mobility, the plan includes special attention to access and exit points of major observation sites. "During the day, when necessary, measures such as traffic regulation, diversions, access restrictions, or additional parking zones may be established," with the "primary objective" of keeping emergency service access routes clear. They also recommend "travelling in advance" and "avoiding unnecessary movements" during peak hours.

The operation maintains specific coordination with fire prevention and extinguishing services, and there is a call for citizens to "exercise extreme caution" in the natural environment. Emphasis is placed on avoiding bonfires, barbecues, and any other activity that could cause a fire, as well as the use of fireworks. Additionally, paths, forest tracks, access roads, and areas used by emergency services "must remain completely clear."

The operation includes reinforcement of healthcare and emergency services, as well as communications, for which coordination meetings have been held with major operators to address the increased demand that may occur in areas with higher visitor concentrations.

With the activation of the Plancal, the Castilla y León Government aims to ensure safety and efficient resource management during the solar eclipse. The coming weeks will be crucial for continued monitoring and adjusting measures as needed based on conditions and emerging requirements.

Piece prepared by the newsroom from cross-checked sources in several countries.