Panic in Ibiza as cars left submerged in flooding after torrential rain

Ibiza has been hit by flooding as torrential rain sparks chaos on the Spanish island. As a result, the Balearic branch of the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has elevated the alert to its highest level, red, for Ibiza and its neighbour, Formentera.

"The storm has become stationary, and rainfall could reach up to 180 litres in just a few hours," the agency has warned. The alert is set to remain in effect until 4pm on Tuesday, September 30, with no decision yet on whether any level of warning will continue afterwards. Miquel Gili, deputy spokesperson for Aemet in the Balearics, stated that Hurricane Gabrielle, which has transformed into an extratropical storm now called ex-Gabrielle, has been affecting the Pityusic Islands for several hours. The substantial amount of rainfall is expected to continue at least until 4pm.

According to Mr Gili, the areas hardest hit by the downpours include Ibiza, Sant Josep, Sant Antoni and Santa Eulària. He emphasised that residents across Ibiza and Formentera must take all necessary safety precautions.

The emergency service 112 has sent mobile alerts notifying the public of the red warning, urging people to avoid travelling. Authorities have warned of severe flooding risks from the torrential rain.

The Balearic Government's Education Department has called off all Tuesday afternoon classes in schools across Ibiza and Formentera, according to posts on social media. All bus services to and from Ibiza town have also been suspended due to severe flooding affecting roads such as the E10 and various streets within the town. Access from Santa Eulària and Sant Antoni to the town is blocked, and the Airport Road has been partially closed due to water accumulation, with alternative routes advised, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.