IBIZA has been swamped by severe flooding as a “red alert” storm continues to dump rain on the holiday island.
Streets around the island have transformed into gushing muddy rivers – as authorities warn of “extraordinary danger”.
Motorbikes were engulfed by the gushing brown floodwaterCristian Lorente via Storyful
EPAStreets have been transformed into rivers on the island[/caption]
EPAResidents wade through deep flood waters[/caption]
Ibiza is the only part of Spain which remains under an “extreme danger” red alert, after many eastern areas were battered on Monday and overnight.
The warning of extreme rainfall is due to remain in place until 4pm today, meaning worse flooding could be on the way.
Footage posted online shows raging torrents of floodwater smashing down residential streets and buffeting cars.
Roads resemble fast-moving rivers as the waterlogged island struggles beneath the staggeromg quantity of water.
One clip even shows it raining inside Ibiza Airport’s security hall – with water pouring through ceiling.
Ibiza town, the island’s capital, urged residents to avoid travel and outdoor activities and warned in a post on X against approaching streams, low-lying areas or basements.
The town is in “complete meltdown”, according to local newspaper Preiodico di Ibiza.
Spain’s meteorological agency, Aemet, had reduced the alert for Ibiza to orange – but ferocious rainfall and flooding today forced them to bump it back up.
Announcing the raised threat level, Aemet said: “Red Alert, torrential rains in Ibiza and Formentera.
“More than 180mm in 12 hours. Caution. Extraordinary danger.
“There may be flooding and sudden rises in waterways.”
Eastern parts of Spain – including Catalonia and cities down the coast – received a huge dump of rain yesterday and overnight during wild storms.
Red alerts – the highest level of danger – were activated for Tarragona, Castellón and Valencia on Monday, with schools and parks remaining closed today.
Record rainfall was recorded in Valencia, where winds also whipped at more than 60mph.
Dramatic footage shows rivers cascading down city stairways, cars being swept along by powerful currents and foaming whirlpools engulfing streets.
More than half a million pupils in Valencia missed lessons on Monday as 243 local councils closed schools as a precaution.
Footage from Sueca shows stagnant water submerging the town after the rain subsided.
A clip from the south-eastern Murcia shows a pedestrian being swept down the road by gushing brown water.
Cristian Lorente via StoryfulQueues of vehicles battled through floodwaters[/caption]