Chaos in Mallorca due to DANA: torrential rains and emergency evacuations.

Mallorca was engulfed in unprecedented meteorological chaos yesterday due to the arrival of a DANA (Difficulties Associated with Snow and Water), which brought torrential rains, thunderstorms, and, in some areas, hail. This climatic phenomenon left a trail of devastation in several localities on the island, especially in Llevant and Port de Sóller, where flooding affected both infrastructure and homes. From early morning, dark skies began unleashing their fury on Mallorca. The intense rainfall caused a sudden rise in water levels in rivers and torrents, forcing emergency services to respond. According to the 112 Emergency Service in the Balearic Islands, dozens of calls related to flooding and fallen trees were received, overwhelming the capacity of first responders. One of the most notable incidents of the day occurred when the Mallorca Firefighters evacuated a train with 29 passengers traveling between Palma and Manacor. The tracks were completely flooded, leading to the suspension of railway services for several hours. Fortunately, all train occupants were unharmed, although they had to be transferred by bus to continue their journey. The Civil Guard also had to intervene significantly in Port de Sóller, where three flooded homes were evacuated, with water levels reaching 50 centimeters inside. Officers acted quickly to rescue two elderly individuals with reduced mobility, prioritizing their safety before proceeding with the evacuation of other residents. In a heroic act, some evacuees were rescued through a patio wall due to the impossibility of opening the main door. The situation was so critical that the Fire Department was requested to help extract the accumulated water from the affected homes. Despite the magnitude of the disaster, all rescued individuals were in good health. This episode highlights the importance of preparedness and rapid response in emergencies. The Emergency Intervention Battalion (BIEM) III of the Military Emergency Unit (UME) joined the relief efforts on the island, conducting reconnaissance and damage assessments caused by the storm. The collaboration between various emergency entities was crucial in facing the adversities that arose. In Manacor, the Auditorium suffered severe flooding, with its basement completely submerged. Firefighters had to work intensively to pump out the water, representing a new obstacle for the region's cultural infrastructure, as the recovery of this space may take time and resources. The capital, Palma, also experienced tense moments. Although no overflows were reported in the torrents, various roads were monitored, and minor incidents were addressed, such as water accumulation that hindered vehicle circulation on some streets. Local authorities worked to remove fallen branches and secure buildings that could pose risks of collapse. The situation in Alcúdia became complicated when the Local Police organized the transfer of around 130 minors from a camp to a municipal sports center, ensuring their safety in the face of adverse weather conditions. This preventive measure demonstrates the proactivity of local authorities in protecting the most vulnerable populations. The intensity of the rains was such that, in some areas, up to 148 liters of water were recorded in just one hour, causing torrents to overflow and significant damage to businesses in Port de Sóller. Images of streets turned into rivers and the detachment of stones serve as a clear warning about the power of nature and the vulnerability of certain infrastructures to extreme weather phenomena. As the island tries to recover from this blow, authorities will continue to assess the damage and work on restoring essential services. Undoubtedly, this episode will serve as a lesson on the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for resilient infrastructure in a world where climate changes are becoming increasingly unpredictable and severe.