IN PICS: Beaches shut on Spain's Ibiza as downpours spark floods

"Spain's Mediterranean holiday islands of Ibiza and Formentera emerged relatively unscathed from torrential rainfall on Tuesday that triggered floods and prompted the closure of beaches and schools. The downpours came a day after the eastern Valencia region, where more than 200 people died 11 months ago in Spain's deadliest floods in decades, was also placed under the highest weather alert for rain."

"In the town of Ibiza, AEMET said a measuring station provisionally recorded 254 litres of rain per square metre in 24 hours -- "more than half of the usual rainfall in a whole year in the area". Footage on social media showed pedestrians wading through muddy water on an Ibiza beachfront lined with palm trees, bars and restaurants as sirens from emergency vehicles wailed in the background."

"The Balearic Islands' regional government reported 179 incidents on Ibiza and six on Formentera, most related to flooding on ground floors, roads, falling trees and urban material, as well as the risk of rivers overflowing. Regional authorities said three people were lightly injured in a landslip near a hotel but confirmed no serious injuries or deaths. The Spanish army's emergencies unit deployed with reinforcements from the neighbouring island of Mallorca and the mainland to help pump water from buildings and clear roads."

Ibiza and Formentera were hit by extraordinary torrential rainfall that triggered floods, closed beaches and schools, and caused major local disruption. A measuring station in Ibiza provisionally recorded 254 litres per square metre in 24 hours, more than half the area's usual annual rainfall. Footage showed streets and beachfronts submerged, muddy water sweeping away large waste containers and impeding vehicles. Regional authorities reported 179 incidents on Ibiza and six on Formentera, mostly related to flooding, fallen trees and risks of river overflow. Three people suffered light injuries in a landslip. The Spanish army deployed to pump water and clear roads.

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