Lorraine Williamson
Torrential rain brought flooding, flight disruptions, and emergency rescues to several parts of Spain on Sunday as DANA Adam swept across the country. Ibiza and Formentera faced their highest weather alert, ten people were rescued from a flooded tunnel in Málaga, and schools in parts of Valencia announced closures for Monday.
The storm has affected the Balearic Islands, Andalucía and the Valencian Community, with emergency services responding to flooded roads, trapped residents and transport disruption. Although conditions have begun to improve in some areas, authorities warn that the risk of further heavy rainfall and flash flooding remains.
The storms have also claimed a life in Catalonia. A 35-year-old woman who was swept away by floodwater in Cabrera de Mar, near Barcelona, on Saturday evening was found dead near Premià de Mar on Sunday.
Ibiza and Formentera hit by torrential rain
Ibiza and Formentera were placed under a red rainfall warning on Sunday morning as intense storms flooded roads and disrupted flights. At approximately 11.20 am, residents and visitors received emergency alerts on their mobile phones warning of an imminent risk of flooding and urging them to avoid unnecessary journeys.
The island’s airport was particularly badly affected. Flooding temporarily disrupted operations, with 17 flights diverted and 15 cancellations reported during the morning. The airport began operating again around midday, although delays and disruption continued as services recovered.
Several roads were also closed, including the airport access road near Platja d’en Bossa. Emergency services dealt with 61 incidents across Ibiza and Formentera by midday, including flooded roads and properties.
Formentera recorded particularly intense rainfall, with provisional figures showing 113.2 litres per square metre in three hours. By early afternoon, rainfall at La Mola had reached 183 litres per square metre, while Ibiza Airport had recorded approximately 120 litres.
AEMET downgraded the red warning to orange at 2.00 pm as the worst of the rainfall moved away from the islands. However, further storms remained possible, with the weather system moving towards Mallorca.
Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME) has also been mobilised to assist with the aftermath of the storms. The unit confirmed on Sunday afternoon that personnel from its Third Battalion were leaving their base in Valencia to travel by ship to Ibiza and Mallorca, where they will support the Balearic emergency services.
Ten rescued from flooded tunnel in Málaga
Emergency services in Málaga rescued ten people who became trapped inside a tunnel near Peñón del Cuervo beach late on Saturday evening.
The alarm was raised shortly before midnight after rising floodwater prevented the group from leaving. Firefighters attended the scene and brought everyone to safety, with no injuries reported.
The rescue was among numerous incidents across Málaga province as torrential rain caused flooding in homes and roads, fallen trees and electricity supply problems.
Andalucía’s emergency services dealt with 89 weather-related incidents overnight, including 73 in Málaga province. The eastern Málaga neighbourhood of El Palo was particularly badly affected, accounting for more than 50 emergency calls during the early hours of Sunday.
Across Andalucía, emergency services had coordinated 357 incidents between midday Saturday and 7.00 am Sunday, including 37 rescues and 236 incidents involving flooding or other water-related problems.
The regional government’s flood emergency plan remained activated as authorities continued to monitor conditions.
Schools close as Valencia and Alicante face extreme rainfall
The storm has also prompted serious warnings across the Valencian Community, particularly along the southern coast of Valencia province and the northern coast of Alicante.
AEMET issued red warnings for exceptionally heavy rainfall, with some areas forecast to receive up to 200 litres per square metre in 12 hours and potentially more than 300 litres over 24 hours.
Several municipalities have taken precautionary measures ahead of Monday 19 October. Gandia announced the suspension of classes at all educational centres, including municipal nursery schools, following an emergency coordination meeting.
Tavernes de la Valldigna, Piles and Oliva have also announced school closures. In Gandia, municipal sports facilities, parks, cemeteries and centres for older residents have been closed, while several roads and tunnels have been shut as a precaution.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from flood-prone roads and watercourses.
Further heavy rain expected on Monday
Spain’s Civil Protection authorities have warned that Sunday and Monday are expected to be the most intense days of this weather episode in Mediterranean coastal areas and the Balearic Islands.
Heavy and persistent rain could cause localised flooding and sudden rises in rivers, streams and normally dry watercourses. Strong winds and rough seas are also possible in coastal areas.
Residents and visitors are advised not to cross flooded roads, enter underground garages during flooding or approach rivers and streams during heavy rain. Anyone facing an emergency should call 112.
Weather warnings can change rapidly, and people planning to travel should check the latest official information before setting out.