Heavy rainfall hits Ibiza: Streets, houses and schools flooded

Heavy Rain Turns Streets into Rivers

Last night, Ibiza was hit by a severe storm. Within about two hours, at some locations up to 200 liters per square meter fell — an amount rarely seen here. Ibiza Town was hit especially hard: In the old town and along the harbor areas, water flowed down the alleys, garages and storefronts were flooded, and several cars were left stranded in the water.

Emergency warning, red level, and rapid responses

In the afternoon, the highest warning level was issued, and many residents received alerts on their mobile phones. Images of flooded streets and basements quickly circulated through the neighborhoods. The national military unit UME was alerted and sent vehicles and hundreds of responders to the island to assist with cleanup and rescue operations. City authorities were also on the move around the clock.

I was briefly near Vara de Rey this morning: The asphalt still smells of wet dust, and in some corners you might want to swap rubber boots for tourist boots. In a side street, a small supermarket stood in water up to the checkout counter — the owner mopped with an old towel and said she had not experienced anything like this in the last ten years.

Impact on schools and daily life

Because many access routes were blocked and roads impassable, numerous schools remained closed today. Parents were asked to keep children at home until the safety situation is clarified. Some bus lines ran only to a limited extent or not at all. In several residential areas there are still issues with flooded basements and power outages, which local utility companies are gradually addressing.

Basements and commercial properties along lower-lying streets seem to be particularly affected. A coastal gym had to be evacuated after water surged over the entrance steps. The owners described significant damage to equipment and furnishings.

What happens next

Cleanup work continues. The UME and local authorities are coordinating pumping and clearing operations, and the condition of bridges and roads is being checked. Meteorologists warn that while no equally strong new rainfall wave is forecast, local showers could still bring wet hours. Those traveling in the coming days should drive with extra caution and keep an eye on current warnings.

A neighborhood tip: Document damage with photos for insurance claims and try to keep affected areas as dry as possible to prevent mold growth. And yes, a few old buckets and tarps are more useful today than you might think.

We will keep you posted as soon as there is new information on closures, damage, or offers of assistance.