Not only the Balearic islands of Mallorca and Formentera were confronted with the destructive impact of the DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) on Wednesday and Thursday. Also the island of Menorca is taking steps to recover from the significant damage caused by the recent DANA, which unleashed torrential rains and widespread flooding across the island.
The Consell de Menorca has announced plans to compile a detailed inventory of the destruction in order to request that the Spanish Council of Ministers declare the island a catastrophic zone. This designation would enable Menorca to access necessary resources and aid for recovery.
Severe flooding and damage in Es Mercadal
Es Mercadal, a municipality at the heart of Menorca, bore the brunt of the storm, with over 200 litres of rain per square metre recorded, leading to severe flooding throughout the area. Other affected areas included Ciutadella and Mahón, which also experienced substantial rainfall. The heavy rain caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and the local hospitality sector, prompting the island’s authorities to consider financial assistance for the affected municipalities from Menorca’s own funds.
Government response and next steps
The Spanish Minister for Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera, visited Menorca to assess the situation firsthand. She praised the quick response of emergency teams and the caution exercised by residents, noting that there were no casualties despite the severe conditions. Ribera emphasised the complexity of the recovery process, particularly in restoring the island’s natural environments, infrastructure, and affected homes.
While Ribera acknowledged the possibility of Menorca being declared a catastrophic zone, she also noted that the process requires careful evaluation of the storm’s overall impact. “We know the effects have been significant and concentrated, but the final decision will be based on a thorough assessment,” she stated.
Record-breaking rainfall
The recent DANA not only impacted Menorca but also set record rainfall levels across the Balearic Islands. The town of Es Mercadal recorded the highest precipitation, with 204.4 litres per square metre, followed by Ciutadella and Mahón. The storm has been particularly intense in the region, with Menorca experiencing the most severe weather conditions.
Also read: Severe weather in Mallorca and Formentera: severe damage, floodings and chaos