Spain – Deadly Flash Floods in Mallorca After 230mm of Rain

At least five people have died in flash floods on the island of Mallorca, Spain, local government officials said today.

Some areas of Mallorca (also known as Majorca and part of the Balearic Islands group) saw more than 230 mm of rain fall on Tuesday 09 October. The government of the Balearic Islands confirmed earlier today that 5 people have died in flooding. Rescuers are searching for several people believed to be missing.

The worst affected areas are around the town of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar. Flooding has cut road access to and from the town. Other affected areas include S’Illot, Artà, Son Servera, Colònia de Sant Pere, Felanitx and Alcúdia.

Classes have been suspended in Artà, Sant Llorenç des Cardassar and Son Servera. The local government said that at least 7 roads in eastern parts of the island are closed due to flooding. Around 200 people have evacuated their homes and are staying in temporary accommodation, including a local sports centre.

Other areas of southern Spain also saw heavy rainfall yesterday, including parts of Barcelona, where public transport was badly affected, and some tourist areas along the Costa del Sol.

Rainfall and Warnings

According to Spain’s Meteorological Agency (AEMET) 232.8 mm of rain fell in 24 hours on 09 October in Colònia de Sant Pere. Artà recorded 157.4 mm and Son Servera 97.2 mm. Meanwhile in the west of the island, Llucmajor recorded a mere 25.2 mm.

AEMET have issued orange level (3rd highest risk of 4) warnings for heavy rain for the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Formentera, as well as areas of the mainland including Málaga in Andalucía, and Barcelona and Girona in Catalonia.

Yellow level rainfall warnings remain for Mallorca, as well as the neighbouring island of Menorca and Tarragona in Catalonia.

Social Media

https://twitter.com/IB3noticies/status/1049728493083344896

https://twitter.com/AlzinaF/status/1049713172406521856

Flood Summary

Last updated: October 12, 2018
Event
Southern Spain, October 2018
Date
October 9, 2018
Type
Flash flood
Cause
Extreme rainfall

Locations

A - Sant Llorenç des Cardassar
B - Son Servera
C - S'Illot
D - Artà
E - Colònia de Sant Pere
F - Felanitx
G - Alcúdia

Magnitude

Rainfall level
97.2 mm in 24 hours
Son Servera - October 9 to October 9, 2018
Rainfall level
157.4 mm in 24 hours
Artà - October 9 to October 9, 2018
Rainfall level
232.8 mm in 24 hours
Colònia de Sant Pere - October 9 to October 9, 2018

Damages

Fatalities
10 people
Mallorca - October 9 to October 10, 2018