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It is hereby declared:(1) That within and without the urban limits of the town and cities of Puerto Rico there are zones susceptible to flood by rainfall, swells, heavy seas, the overflowing of rivers or brooks, or other forces of nature, which affect the life and property of the present and future inhabitants of said zones, as well as the health, safety, peace, comfort, prosperity, economic stability and welfare of the community in general.(2) That to the prejudice of public interest there are located on these zones and are continually being constructed houses and other structures whose occupants or users are exposed, through the effects of the floods, to lose their lives and holdings and to contract diseases that may develop into epidemics, all of which constitute a menace to the health, safety and welfare of the community.(3) That the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is interested in adopting measures directed to reduce or eliminate the loss of lives and property through the effect of floods.(4) That said measures constitute a public purpose for which public funds may and should be expended. History —Sept. 27, 1961, No. 3, p. 387, § 1.