Walter Finch
IBIZA and Formentera have been placed on red alert after torrential downpours left large parts of the islands under water on Tuesday.
The state weather agency AEMET warned of extraordinary danger after more than 180mm of rain fell in just 12 hours, with totals in some parts of Ibiza surging past 200mm in under three hours.
The alert, which remains in place until at least 4pm, has forced the suspension of schools and transport by sea and air, while parts of Ibiza town have been left without power.
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Emergency services have urged residents to remain at home, warning of flash flooding and swollen rivers.
The Balearic government requested military support, with the Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) deployed to assist Protección Civil teams on the ground.
Locals have shared dramatic images of submerged streets, while UD Ibiza football club sent a message of solidarity to those affected, telling residents: “Please stay at home and follow the authorities’ instructions to stay safe.”
Many questioned why the red alert was not issued earlier, with criticism that the warning only came after heavy rain had already paralysed parts of the island.
The Unidad de Valoración de Riesgos (Risk Assessment Unit) met at 1pm to evaluate the worsening situation.
By early afternoon, more than 218mm had been recorded in the city of Ibiza alone — one of the heaviest deluges in living memory.
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