Alicante (Spain) - In recent weeks, storms and heavy rainfall have repeatedly hit the otherwise sunny vacation region on the east coast of Spain . But in addition to the floods, there is now also a rat problem !

According to a report in the Spanish newspaper"Informatión", the rainfall on the coast of Alicante last Wednesday was so heavy that the entire sewage system in the region collapsed.

This not only led to the tunnel system overflowing, but also to its inhabitants - sewer rats - being flushed out of their homes to the surface. Tourists and residents of Alicante were treated to a disgusting sight on the beaches of Cocó and Regatas: dozens of dead rats swimming in the sea! Several videos of dead animals in the water off the tourist resort are now circulating on social media.

According to the local water supply company "Agua de Alicante", however, it is not only the heavy rainfall but also the residents themselves who are partly responsible for the deluge in the town.

The company reported that thousands of tons of wet wipes are disposed of in the toilets every year, which repeatedly leads to blockages.

At the same time last weekend, a triathlon took place in the city of Alicante, in which the participants also had to swim a certain distance in the sea. The idea of having to dodge dead rats as well as their opponents during the competition caused great displeasure among many athletes.

But despite these health concerns, the athletes went to the start and completed the full distance - including in the water.