Severe Rains Trigger Red Alert in Spain

(MENAFN) Heavy rainfall struck the Balearic Islands on Tuesday, inundating roadways, halting public transit, and compelling officials to keep students inside schools for their protection.

As per AEMET, Spain’s meteorological service, the islands of Ibiza and Formentera endured intense precipitation, receiving as much as 200 liters per square meter within a two-hour span.

The forecast predicted a further 180 liters per square meter over the next 12 hours.

The deluge overwhelmed local drainage systems, submerging key routes leading into Ibiza town.

Authorities elevated the emergency alert to the highest red level earlier in the day, which remained in place until 4 p.m. local time. Currently, the nation’s top active warning has been downgraded to orange.

Emergency response director Pablo Garriz, cited by a news agency, explained that the strength of the storm progressed throughout the day, necessitating continuous reassessment as the situation deteriorated.

The regional administration cancelled afternoon lessons and strongly advised parents not to retrieve their children, emphasizing that pupils were secure under the watch of their teachers.

At midday, Civil Protection sent text warnings to every mobile device in Ibiza, highlighting a "serious flood risk" and instructing residents to remain indoors, steer clear of waterways and low-lying zones, and head to higher floors if water began seeping into their homes.

Major ring roads around the island were shut down, and all public transportation services were suspended.

This extreme weather follows closely on the heels of storm Gabrielle, which on Monday triggered flooding in the Valencia, Catalonia, and Aragon regions of Spain.

During that event, up to 100 liters of rain per square meter fell within hours, prompting police to conduct multiple rescues of individuals trapped in their vehicles.

MENAFN01102025000045017167ID1110134495