Menorca fights for storms: rescue campaigns and flight chaos

Menorca fights for storms: rescue campaigns and flight chaos

The Balearic Island of Menorca recently suffered from extreme weather conditions, which meant that many people could not start their return trip from the region. The violent storms not only demanded numerous restrictions on flights, but also had profound effects on the living conditions of the residents.

The situation on site

In particular, the municipality of ES Mercadal was badly affected, where more than 200 liters of rain per square meter fell in just a few hours. This immense amount of water meant that roads and houses were flooded, which caused some residents to save themselves on the roofs of their residence. A dramatic video of the police documented the rescue of several people with their pets through a helicopter from a flat roof.

travelers at Palma Airport

The effects of the storms were not only located locally, but also concerned many travelers who tried to fly home from the largest Balearic island of Mallorca. Numerous flights, a total of 40 on Wednesday, failed. This resulted in many people, including a family from Oberhausen, at the Palma Airport, where they spent an unwanted night on the floors of the terminal.

First help measures and return problems

First aiders and rescue workers were quickly used to help the affected residents and to eliminate damage. However, the organization of additional return flights initiated by the Eurowings airline could not cover all of the needs. Even when 15 additional flights were offered, this was insufficient in view of the high return volume, which was reinforced by the subsequent summer holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia.

emotional and economic effects

The events in Menorca not only raise questions about the reliability of airlines, but also show how weather -related events can influence the living conditions and emotions of vacationers and locals. The circumstances under which the Oberhausen family planned a return to Germany illustrate the uncertainty and stress that such natural events bring. The change of their return trip from Düsseldorf to Berlin and then with a further flight shows how strongly the citizens can be dissuaded by the usual routine through unforeseen situations.

FAZIT

The storms in Menorca and the associated returning problems are an urgent example of how the weather not only affects natural events, but can also have significant social and economic effects. In an increasingly globalized world, the susceptibility to natural extreme events is a topic that both travel companies and travelers should pay more attention.