EWN
EVERYON
E
GETS IT
ISSUE NO. 1478
31 OCTOBER - 6 NOVEMBER 2013
Heavens above!
WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM
Flash floods as skies open and rain pours down
By EWN special correspondent David Anderson FLASH FLOODS and severe storms almost brought Palma to a standstill. Within minutes the main shopping street was turned into a fast-flowing river. High winds and rain caused chaos and damage with most side streets under deep water and small shops flooded out. One moment it was a pleasant afternoon, the next the skies turned black, thunder and lightning struck, then the heavens opened. Visitors and locals alike sought sanctuary in the shops as the flood water roared down Jaume III.
Storm facts
Traffic cones, palm trees, flip-flops and shoes were swept down the street. Tiles and spouts were blown from the rooftops. Soaked holidaymakers, who earlier had been basking in the sun, couldn’t believe their eyes.
“I have been been coming to Palma for 20 years and have seen nothing like it,” said Margaret Ramsay. “The storm came out of nowhere and everyone ran for cover. It was a scene of utter panic.” Turn to Page 4
In just 15 minutes 51 litres of rain per square metre fell. Winds topped 80 kilometres per hour. Emergency calls to 285 incidents were received. Beaches at Santanyi have disappeared. The council has asked the regional government to declare Cala d’Or a disaster area. Guardia Civil rescued four people from three cars being swept away by flash floods.