A severe storm, known as DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), has wreaked havoc across the Balearic Islands, with Menorca bearing the brunt of the devastation. The storm brought unprecedented rainfall, with some areas in Menorca receiving over 200 liters per square meter in just a few hours, a record for the month of August. This deluge led to severe flooding, turning streets into raging rivers and sweeping away cars.The intensity of the storm caught many off guard, despite warnings from the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET). Paco Martín, coordinator of the meteorology magazine RAM, explained that the storm’s severity was exacerbated by record-high Mediterranean Sea temperatures: ‘It’s like having a gas can open,’ he said, referring to the danger posed by a ‘boiling’ Mediterranean.Emergency services have been overwhelmed, responding to hundreds of incidents. The Balearic Islands’ Emergency System 112 managed 416 incidents between Wednesday and Thursday. In Menorca, 16 people and 5 pets were evacuated by helicopter. The storm also caused significant disruptions to air travel, with 77% of flights delayed and 84 cancelled at Mallorca’s Palma Airport on Thursday alone.The aftermath of the storm has left a trail of destruction. In Menorca, residents of Mercadal are coming together to clean up the damage and debris left by the intense rains. The island is now seeking a catastrophic zone declaration from the Spanish government due to the extent of the damage.This extreme weather event has raised questions about the preparedness of the Balearic Islands for such incidents, especially in light of climate change. Experts warn that the islands are among the most vulnerable territories to extreme climate events, and this storm serves as a stark warning of the increasing frequency and severity of such events in the Mediterranean region.
Key points
- A severe storm (DANA) caused unprecedented flooding in the Balearic Islands, particularly Menorca.
- Record-high Mediterranean Sea temperatures exacerbated the storm’s intensity.
- Menorca is seeking a catastrophic zone declaration from the Spanish government due to extensive damage.
- The event raises concerns about the Balearic Islands’ preparedness for extreme weather in the face of climate change.
Contradictions👾While most sources report severe damage and disruptions, one article suggests that stable weather is returning to Spain, which contradicts the ongoing emergency situation described in other sources.
