Businesses in Es Pratet, Ibiza Town, were once again dealing with flooding on Monday, 19 October, after heavy overnight rainfall from Storm Adam inundated commercial premises and access roads near the port.

The neighbourhood, particularly the area around Santa Eulària Avenue between the Es Pratet car park and Ses Feixes, was among the affected parts of the city. Business owners and employees were seen removing standing water and trying to prevent further damage as the storm continued to affect the island.

Although some affected traders said the flooding was less severe than the episode in 2025, the latest incident has renewed calls for lasting solutions to a problem that residents say repeatedly threatens their homes, businesses and livelihoods.

Businesses Face Another Morning of Flooding

Several commercial premises were affected by the water, including businesses providing nautical equipment and services, recreational products and storage facilities.

At the Isla Azul glass shop on Diputat Josep Ribas street, staff began pumping water out of the premises. Other businesses had placed sandbags and wooden boards at their entrances in an attempt to keep water outside.

The impact was not uniform across the neighbourhood. Ereso's main nautical business premises, near the corner of Joan Castelló Guasch street and Santa Eulària Avenue, remained unaffected. A representative attributed this to a drainage improvement installed at the street exit, which helped prevent water from accumulating.

However, another Ereso premises on the opposite side of the street was flooded.

The contrast illustrates how individual drainage arrangements and protective measures can make a difference during episodes of intense rainfall.

Residents Blame Drainage Problems at Es Pratet Car Park

Residents and business owners have again raised concerns about the Es Pratet car park, arguing that insufficient drainage allows rainwater to accumulate and subsequently flow towards neighbouring streets and commercial premises.

According to their accounts, the paved area collects large volumes of water, which can build up before spilling into surrounding areas. One affected resident said the car park lacked drainage grates and called on Ibiza Town Council to ensure that the necessary drainage infrastructure is installed.

Other traders also questioned whether the drainage provision had been increased sufficiently after the area was paved. Some said they believed conditions had deteriorated since the car park was built.

These are the concerns and allegations of local residents and business owners. The available reporting does not establish that the car park is the confirmed cause of the flooding, and an independent technical assessment would be needed to determine the precise contribution of the car park's drainage, surrounding streets and wider water runoff.

Drainage Improvements Help Protect One Building

The latest flooding also highlighted a more positive development at the nearby Cabiro building on Diputat Josep Ribas street.

During the previous year's flooding, the building's garage had been completely inundated, with water reportedly reaching the ceiling. This time, the community avoided a repeat of that damage.

Architect Francisco Cuevas, a spokesperson for the building's community, said protective measures had been introduced, including a barrier. He also highlighted the importance of an overflow drain installed on Joan Castelló Guasch street, close to Santa Eulària Avenue, which he described as crucial in preventing more serious damage.

The experience provides a local example of how drainage improvements and protective measures can help reduce the impact of heavy rainfall, even when nearby properties remain vulnerable.

Santa Eulària Avenue Closed as Emergency Teams Respond

Santa Eulària Avenue, one of the main routes into Ibiza Town, was closed in both directions for several hours because of flooding. It subsequently reopened partially, although another closure was being considered in light of forecasts for further rainfall.

Workers from the company Brilliant were removing water and opening drainage access points under the guidance of Aqualia. A water-extraction truck was also operating in the area, while vehicles from the Military Emergency Unit were seen nearby.

Municipal councillors Rubén Sousa and Catiana Fuster also visited the affected area and documented the situation.

The emergency response came as Storm Adam continued to cause disruption elsewhere on Ibiza, with flooded roads, overflowing torrents and further restrictions affecting public services.

Flooding Leaves Rubbish Washed Towards the Sea

Beyond the damage to businesses and roads, the runoff carried large quantities of rubbish, much of it plastic, towards the sea and other parts of Ibiza Town.

The accumulation of debris adds an environmental concern to the immediate problems caused by the flooding, particularly when water carries waste through streets and drainage channels towards the coastline.

Traders Call for a Lasting Solution

For residents and business owners in Es Pratet, the latest incident is part of a recurring problem rather than an isolated event.

The neighbourhood suffered severe flooding in 2025, and Monday's rainfall again brought water into commercial premises. Although some traders were better prepared this time, they continue to demand action to reduce the risk of repeated damage.

Their central concern is that temporary clean-up operations and individual protective measures cannot replace an effective drainage system capable of managing intense rainfall.

As Ibiza continues to experience episodes of increasingly disruptive downpours, the situation in Es Pratet raises wider questions about urban drainage, flood prevention and the protection of businesses in vulnerable areas.

The immediate priority is to clear affected premises and restore normal access. The longer-term challenge is to establish the causes of the repeated flooding and implement measures that can reduce the risk when the next major storm arrives.