Storm lashes Spanish Balearic Islands: Flights cancelled, towns evacuated
Storms, along with thunderstorms and strong winds—severe weather has been affecting the Spanish Balearic Islands since Wednesday. On Thursday in Mallorca, dozens of flights were cancelled, many roads were flooded, and homes were waterlogged. Evacuation of some towns was also necessary.
16 August 2024 08:02
Heavy rains have hit the Spanish Balearic Islands, and a storm has reached Mallorca. Roads are flooded, and many flights have been cancelled. Nine people were injured on the island of Formentera.
The army has sent its units to Mallorca to help control the situation.
Orange weather alert
The Spanish national weather agency AEMET maintained an orange alert on Thursday due to the high risk of storms. Previously, a red-level warning was in effect. On Wednesday, people were urged to stay indoors. Streets turned into rivers.
29 people were evacuated from a train on the Palma de Mallorca-Manacor route. The train could not proceed because the tracks were damaged by rising water. In another town, Soller, several people were evacuated.
Recordings show that the wind was so strong that it moved furniture and larger garden structures, toppling trees.
Flooded airports, cancelled flights
Since Wednesday, over 50 flights have been cancelled at airports in the Balearic Islands. Spanish airport operator Aena warns that delays are likely to continue.
Regional rescue services reported that they received about 180 calls related to storm effects in just one weekend day.
