Mallorca, a popular holiday destination in Spain’s Balearic Islands, has been severely impacted by torrential rains and powerful storms, leading to widespread flooding, evacuations, and significant travel disruptions. The Spanish emergency military unit has been deployed to assist with the situation as authorities work to manage the crisis.

A Storm of Unprecedented Magnitude

The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, were placed under an orange alert due to the high risk of storms, which was downgraded from a red alert by Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET. The storm, which began on Wednesday, has caused roads to flood and has forced authorities to evacuate several areas, including central Palma de Mallorca. A particularly dramatic incident involved the evacuation of 29 people from a flooded train on the line between Palma and Manacor.

Major Travel Disruptions

The storm has had a severe impact on air travel, with over 50 flights canceled across airports in the Balearic Islands. The closure of air traffic control (ATC) for inbound flights at Palma de Mallorca further exacerbated the situation, leaving passengers stranded and causing significant delays. Ryanair, among other airlines, has been heavily affected, and passengers are advised to check the status of their flights.

Rescue Operations and Emergency Response

The regional emergency service has been overwhelmed with calls, receiving around 180 reports of incidents related to the storm within a 24-hour period. In Formentera, nine people were injured, and a fisherman had to be rescued by the Spanish coast guard. The emergency military unit is on the ground to assess the damage and provide support to civil authorities as needed.

The severe storms in Mallorca have brought the island to a standstill, with extensive flooding and disruptions to travel and daily life. As the region begins to recover, the focus will be on restoring normalcy and ensuring the safety of residents and tourists alike. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of extreme weather events.

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