Residents in L’Horta, a district in Lleida, are reporting significant structural damage to 42 homes caused by “mini earthquakes” from passing trains. These vibrations have led to extensive cracking, prompting residents to demand urgent action and compensation from Adif, the Spanish railway infrastructure manager.

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The affected homes stand just 40 metres from the railway tracks. Residents describe their daily lives as being disrupted by constant tremors. Marina Pifarrer, one affected resident, stated, “We were eating and our plates moved if they were empty.”

Tere Estruch, another resident, likened the tremors to “mini earthquakes.” She added, “When a train passes, you notice the vibration of the windows and the noise.” Some cracks in the walls have grown large enough. A hand can now fit inside these holes.

Escalating Train Traffic Causes Damage

Residents trace the problem’s origin back four years. At that time, the number of daily trains significantly increased. “We used to have 20 to 22 trains a day,” Ms Estruch explained. “Now, more than 80 pass us day and night.” This dramatic rise in traffic, particularly high-speed trains, intensified the vibrations affecting the nearby properties.

A report commissioned by the residents supports their claims. This independent assessment concluded that both sound and vibration regulations negatively affect the homes. Experts estimate the total damages to the 42 properties at nearly 880,000 euros.

Residents Demand Adif Intervention

Residents are now seeking this substantial compensation from Adif. They emphasise the need for fundamental solutions to the railway line itself. “If this gets worse, the building is in danger,” one resident warned. “We fear for our integrity.”

They argue that simply repairing the homes without addressing the track issues will not solve the problem. Additionally, residents are calling for the installation of sound barriers along the railway line. They have warned they will pursue legal action if Adif fails to provide adequate solutions for their safety and property.

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Originally published by La Sexta Barcelona. Read original article.