13 June 2024 , 10:43
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Dramatic images show the severe floods that have left cars and planes unable to move in Majorca as torrents of rain poured through streets and the airport.
Planes were unable to take off or land causing nightmares for passengers returning home or to the holiday destination. Several flights were diverted to nearby airports on the Spanish mainland as officials activated the airport’s flood emergency plan.
Shocking photographs showed huge flood waters around people’s homes with several cars underwater amid the carnage. Residents ran for cover as the rain and hail pelted down.
Several cars were practically underwater (SOLARPIX.COM)It is believed the airport took the brunt of the storm where photos showed huge amounts of rain on the tarmac, and rising under the wings of planes. Palma Airport was forced to close amid the chaos, however, it has since reopened. Passengers have been urged to check with airlines before attempting to fly.
An airport spokesperson said: "Palma airport has reactivated its operations after the storm. The first take-offs and landings have already begun, and the diverted flights are expected to land at Palma Airport during the afternoon. The airport continues to work to normalise operations. The airports authority (Aena) recommends passengers to check with their airline before travelling to the airport."
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The scene at Palma AirportIn several videos broadcast by airport workers and passengers, strong waterfalls of water can be seen inside the terminal building, including security control and check-in counters. Rain could be seen gushing through the ceiling in the Duty Free store which was left completely flooded and abandoned.
water reached knee-high in the parking lot and became so flooded in parts that a couple of cars could be seen floating around following the sudden storm which hit the island around 2pm.
More cars hit by the floods (Joan Llado / GTres / SplashNews.com)Further south in Murcia, roads have been turned into raging torrents. In its capital city locals and tourists were pictured ankle-deep in water in its main street as they tried to negotiate their way past shops while others took refuge inside.
Elsewhere in the province cars were seen and wheelie bins were seen 'swimming' down streets which looked more like rivers and firefighters were said to be “working tirelessly” with roads closed in some places.
The airport has since reopenedA Spanish weather website warned earlier this week: “In the next few hours storms will dump dozens of litres of water and hail on these areas in a very short space of time. Be careful.
“The forecasts proved to be correct and yesterday storms erupted forcefully in parts of the east and centre of the peninsula. In the next few hours intense downpours will gain protagonism in several areas."