Devastating Floods Hit Ibiza: 300 Liters of Rainfall Leads to Evacuations

Ibiza, Spain - The island of Ibiza has recently experienced the most severe flooding in over fifty years, with rainfall reaching unprecedented levels. Despite a temporary downgrade of the weather alert from red to orange, chaos continues to reign across the popular tourist destination.

The harbor area of Ibiza Town has been among the hardest hit, with streets completely submerged, rendering them impassable. Witnesses reported water levels reaching chest height in some locations, creating swift currents that posed significant dangers.

In response to the emergency, special ships transported medical teams and military emergency units from Spain to assist with the response efforts. Helicopters have been deployed to deliver essential equipment, including pumps and generators, from the mainland and Mallorca.

Currently, all municipal services remain closed, and numerous events across the island have been canceled as authorities work to provide shelter, clothing, and hot meals for those affected by the severe weather.

The tunnel access to Ibiza Airport has been closed due to flooding, leading to long queues outside the terminal. Parts of the airport have been cordoned off due to water intrusion, resulting in numerous flight delays and diversions.

The emergency teams remain actively engaged, even as the weather situation begins to stabilize. Efforts are underway to drain the floodwaters to assess the damage and implement relief measures. The military emergency units are working to construct ditches to divert and release the accumulated water.

Rainfall amounts have been staggering, with some areas recording up to 300 liters per square meter. Ibiza Town alone saw 236 liters of rain in just twelve hours, while the airport recorded 135 liters. Even ferries faced challenges when attempting to dock at the port.

In the Puig de Molins area, a portion of the hillside has collapsed, sending boulders crashing onto two hotels belonging to the Vibra chain. This incident caused panic among guests, with several individuals trapped on upper floors needing rescue by firefighters.

Additionally, tourists and staff at a harbor-side hotel found themselves stranded for hours until military personnel could evacuate them. In total, 220 tourists were relocated to nearby accommodations at Playa d'en Bossa.

The infrastructure of Ibiza has suffered severe damage, with the local mayor reporting two serious injuries from falls and three minor injuries from the landslide. One of the critically injured individuals fell into an open drainage channel obscured by floodwaters.

The flooding has also caused significant disruptions to local utilities, leading to frequent power outages. The city's desalination plant has been shut down, and sewage treatment facilities have been affected, limiting operations at Can Misses Hospital.

As the island continues to grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster, local officials and emergency teams remain dedicated to restoring normalcy and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike.