Severe storm hits Mallorca, leaving one person dead and another missing, Spain

Heavy rains hit Mallorca on September 3, 2024, resulting in devastating flash floods in the Torrent de Pareis Canyon. A 26-year-old British woman was discovered dead, while a 32-year-old British male remains missing. The sudden storm caused widespread flooding, trapping hikers and requiring a large-scale rescue operation.

A 26-year-old British woman was discovered dead, while a 32-year-old British male remains missing. The two were part of a group of British tourists hiking in Mallorca. The Spanish Civil Guard and the Guardia Civil’s Mountain Rescue and Intervention Group (GREIM) oversee the search and rescue operations. Local emergency services, as well as the government’s Department of Emergencies, are involved.

The flash flood struck the Torrent de Pareis canyon in the Tramuntana mountain range in Mallorca, Spain. This area is known for its challenging hiking routes and susceptibility to flash floods, especially during intense storms. 

The flood erupted while the group was hiking along a trail that connects the canyon to the Mediterranean Sea, leaving one woman dead and a man missing.

The woman’s body was recovered on September 4 but the man has not yet been located as inclement weather hampered search efforts. In addition, 10 hikers, who were relatives of the couple, were rescued from the flood waters with hypothermia symptoms.

The hikers’ lack of suitable equipment and clothes, such as warm and waterproof gear, made them vulnerable throughout the storm.

The severe weather, with rainfall ranging from 50 to 90 mm (2 to 4 inches) and wind gusts of 90 to 120 km/h (56 to 75 mph), caused significant disruptions at Balearic airports, including Palma, Ibiza, and Menorca. The government’s Department of Emergencies reported widespread delays and damage.

The flood was caused by a sudden and severe downpour that swamped the canyon. The Balearic Islands and a vast portion of Spain’s eastern coast were on watch, expecting solid gusts and heavy rain. Authorities had earlier issued warnings about intense storms and advised against outdoor activity.

Rescue operations conducted by the Guardia Civil GREIM involved both land and air efforts to locate and save those trapped. The severe weather also caused widespread disruptions, including delays at Balearic airports and infrastructure damage across the region.

References:

¹ Time running out for missing Briton in Mallorca – Mallorca Daily Bulletin – September 5, 2024

² Mallorca placed on storm red alert between 2pm and 3pm – Mallorca Daily Bulletin – September 4, 2024

Harsha Borah

Harsha Borah is an experienced content writer with a proven track record in the industry. Harsha has worked with LitSpark Solutions and Whateveryourdose, honing skills in creating engaging content across various platforms. A gold medalist in a state-level writing competition organized by Assam Tourism, Harsha’s travelogue on Tezpur was widely appreciated. Harsha’s article, "The Dark Tale of the Only Judge in India to Be Hanged," ranks second on Google and has garnered over 11 000 views and 8 900 reads on Medium. Outside of writing, Harsha enjoys reading books and solving jigsaw puzzles.

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