The fire brigade had to be deployed almost 90 times on Friday and once on the neighboring island of Menorca, as the Europapress news agency reported. However, the Aemet weather service gave the all-clear early in the morning: a warning level no longer applies to the archipelago.
The second highest warning level, orange, was in effect on Friday. In the island capital Palma de Mallorca the sun was still shining in the morning, but heavy rain and thunderstorms set in in the afternoon. At Palma Airport, the storms sometimes led to delays lasting several hours. The Serra d’Àlfàbia mountain range north of Palma was hit hardest, wrote the local newspaper “Diario de Mallorca”. 112.9 liters of rain fell there per square meter.
More on the topic
Extreme situation after flood disaster in Valencia region: 205 dead, many missing
Three women and a young person were in danger when they were surprised by the rapidly rising water level of a stream near Galatzó in the west of the island, as Europapress reported. The family sought shelter in a hotel building, where the fire department rescued them. Nothing is known about any damage or injuries following the storms.
The heavy rain and thunderstorms were triggered by the same “cold drop” weather phenomenon that caused flooding and severe devastation in the south and east of Spain on Tuesday. The number of deaths so far is 207, 204 of which were in the Mediterranean region of Valencia alone.
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Elena Martinez senior
**Interview with Dr. Elena Martínez, Meteorologist and Disaster Management Expert**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Martínez. We’ve been hearing about severe flooding in Spain, particularly in the Valencia region and the Balearic Islands. Can you summarize the current situation and its impact?
**Dr. Martínez**: Thank you for having me. The recent flooding has indeed been devastating. In the Valencia region, the death toll has tragically risen to around 205 individuals, with many still missing. In the Balearic Islands, particularly Majorca, heavy rain and thunderstorms led to significant disruptions on Friday. Though a warning has since been lifted, the impact on the local infrastructure and community is considerable.
**Interviewer**: It’s alarming to hear about such high numbers. What caused this extreme weather?
**Dr. Martínez**: The severe weather was primarily due to a phenomenon known as a “cold drop.” This weather pattern leads to abrupt, heavy rainfall. While such events can happen occasionally, the intensity and rapid onset of rain we witnessed recently have been unusual, leading to flash floods, especially in regions with steep terrain like Serra d’Àlfàbia in Majorca.
**Interviewer**: The fire brigade had to respond nearly 90 times due to these storms. What are the challenges faced by emergency services during such events?
**Dr. Martínez**: Emergency services experience immense pressure during these situations. They have to act quickly to rescue those in immediate danger, such as the family trapped near Galatzó. Dealing with flooding, road blockages, and potential landslides complicates their efforts. Moreover, the psychological toll on responders and the affected community can’t be overlooked.
**Interviewer**: As recovery begins, what steps should be taken to minimize the impact of such weather events in the future?
**Dr. Martínez**: Preparing for such extreme weather is crucial. This includes improving drainage systems, conducting regular emergency drills, and enhancing weather forecasting and public warning systems. Community engagement is essential, as individuals should be educated on how to respond in emergencies, which can save lives.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Martínez. It’s important to stay informed and prepared. Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy.
**Dr. Martínez**: Thank you. Awareness and solidarity are essential in overcoming such disasters.
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