Panic in Majorca as 278 emergency incidents declared after storm hits resort

Hundreds of ’emergency incidents’ have been declared across a Spanish island popular with British tourists after strong winds battered the island.

Winds of more than 74mph have been recorded across Majorca this weekend – as strong winds elsewhere in Europe saw disruption in the UK due to Storm Darragh and changes to the reopening events for Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

An amber alert was issued for the island from 3pm on Saturday, with a number of events cancelled and a football match between local teams called off in the second half.

The Majorca Daily Bulletin, an English language news outlet on the island, reported a total of 278 incidents had been reported across the island as of 7am on Sunday.

A majority of these are understood to involve fallen trees – with a number of power cuts still reported across the island and many homes still without electricity according to the Spanish equivalent to the National Grid.

In a warning to people in the area on Saturday, the city council for Palma said:  “Today, at 3pm, an orange alert will be activated for wind and maritime storms. Gusts of up to 100 km/h are forecast and the situation could extend until tomorrow at 17h.”

The council advised people to take down loose awnings and to avoid staying in tents. 

It also confirmed it was shutting down its boardwalk and any parks with trees – as well as closing access to a number of promenades.

It added:  “Safety is a priority! Follow the instructions from the authorities and official channels.”

Some flights to and from Palma’s airport were reported to be delayed or diverted as a result of the weather conditions.

As of 8.15am on Sunday, flights are operating out of Palma Airport with only minor delays.