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Short and intense: Why a cloudburst paralyzes Palma and what follows

Why a short cloudburst can flood Mallorca so fast

Short, intense rain can overwhelm Mallorca’s drainage quickly. Here’s why flooding happens so fast.

Published: April 21, 2026
Short and intense: Why a cloudburst paralyzes Palma and what follows

Answer

Why can a short cloudburst cause flooding in Mallorca so quickly?

A brief but intense downpour can overwhelm drainage systems, especially in older parts of Mallorca where sewers are already under pressure. Water also runs off quickly from sealed surfaces and sloping streets, so low-lying areas can flood within minutes. Blocked drains, leaves and rubbish make the problem worse.

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