From overflowing drains in the heart of Ibiza to the sudden appearance of marine tornadoes, the recent Betty squall demonstrated the vulnerable nature of the island when faced with heavy rainfall. With numerous areas affected, it’s crucial to unpack the damage done to understand its profound impact.

Introduction

Ibiza, renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife, recently faced the wrath of the Betty squall. This storm, akin to many before it, resulted in significant flooding and multiple incidents across the island. Whether you are a resident or a tourist, understanding the impact of such natural calamities is essential.

Sant Antoni: A Major Victim

In the aftermath of the squall, Sant Antoni, a bustling municipality of Ibiza, emerged as one of the most affected areas. The statistics are alarming:

• A whopping 36 liters per square meter of rainfall on a single Sunday morning.
• Es Pouet beach had to be closed, primarily due to loose beaconing and drifting boats.
• In the Camí de Sa Vorera area, a tree’s unexpected fall added to the chaos.
• The Can Bonet neighbourhood witnessed multiple damages, with its entrance road submerged under water.
• Frequent power outages haunted the locality as electrical transformers servicing the sports centre bore the brunt of the storm.

Given the intensity and impact, it’s evident that Sant Antoni bore a significant portion of Betty’s fury.

Major Flooding Across Ibiza

The widespread nature of the squall ensured no part of the island was spared:

• Sant Llorenç experienced 54 liters per square meter of rain, resulting in multiple flooded secondary roads.
• Sant Miquel wasn’t far behind with 40 liters per square meter.
• In a rather shocking turn of events, residents and tourists in the north encountered a marine tornado on a beach.
• Santa Eulària saw the collapse of a one-meter-high dry stone wall on Camí de sa Font des Murtar, a tree obstructing Camí de Can Furnet, and a burst in the fecal water channel leading to the Santa Eulària treatment plant on Nàpoles street.

The alarming rate of flooding across various parts of the island underscores the sheer intensity of the Betty squall.

Sewage Woes in Platja d’en Bossa

Platja d’en Bossa faced its own set of challenges:

• Problems re-emerged in the sewage network, resulting in submerged streets and basements.
• Drains were pushed beyond their capacity, leading to overflows.
• The port of Ibiza faced a unique issue where rainwater mixed with wastewater, overburdening the collectors and causing waste spills into the sea.

Conclusion

The Betty squall serves as a vivid reminder of nature’s unpredictable fury. For Ibiza, it meant flooded neighbourhoods, damaged infrastructure, and a day-to-day life thrown out of gear. As the island comes together in recovery, understanding and preparing for such events becomes ever more crucial.