What is the location of the flooding?
On September 30, 2025, torrential rainfall triggered severe flooding on the Spanish Mediterranean islands of Ibiza and Formentera. Spain’s weather agency AEMET issued a red alert after up to 180mm of rain fell in just 12 hours.
The islands, part of the Balearic archipelago, saw streets submerged, vehicles stranded, and rivers overflowing. Valencia on the mainland also experienced flooding as Storm Gabrielle brought extreme downpours across eastern Spain (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
The following areas are affected by the Ibiza floods:
Formentera reported multiple incidents of flooding, including stranded vehicles and waterlogged homes. Ibiza saw the worst damage in Ibiza City, Sant Antoni de Portmany, and Santa Eulària.
Mallorca faced yellow alerts for further storms and heavy rain. On the mainland, Valencia province suffered severe flooding, leading to over 200 school closures and surging waters in towns like Cullera (2).
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Emergency services in Ibiza and Formentera responded to nearly 200 incidents, ranging from flooded homes and roads to landslips. Firefighters rescued people trapped in vehicles and buildings, while the Spanish army was deployed to help pump water and clear debris.
By late Tuesday, AEMET lifted the red alerts, but Valencia and other areas remained under lower warnings. Authorities continue cleanup operations, with many roads still cut off. No serious injuries or deaths have been reported (3).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Authorities issued mass telephone alerts to residents in Ibiza and Formentera, urging people to avoid basements, streams, and flood-prone zones. Beaches were shut, schools suspended classes, and Ibiza City advised residents to remain indoors.
In Valencia, more than 200 schools closed as a precaution, affecting over half a million pupils. Regional officials continue to warn against unnecessary travel and advise residents to move to higher ground if flooding persists (4).
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
