Ibiza has been left reeling after Storm Gabrielle unleashed torrential rain and flooding across the island, forcing mass evacuations, flight cancellations and widespread damage to homes, hotels and infrastructure.

The Spanish meteorological agency AEMET had issued a rare red alert — its highest warning — as the storm swept through the Balearic Islands, bringing extraordinary danger from heavy rain, high winds and possible hail. In some areas, rainfall reached unprecedented levels, with Ibiza Town recording 254 millimetres in just 24 hours, while neighbouring Formentera endured more than 180 millimetres in half a day.

By Tuesday evening, officials confirmed that the worst of the storm had passed and weather alerts were lifted. But the aftermath has left the island in crisis.

Streets Submerged, Hotels Closed

Floodwaters turned roads into rivers, submerging vehicles and seeping into buildings, including parts of Ibiza Airport where rain was seen pouring through ceilings. Around 1,000 travellers were unable to board their flights as blocked roads and cancellations brought chaos to the transport system.

Rescue efforts have been intense. The Civil Guard confirmed 59 operations, saving 148 people — some in dramatic circumstances, with paddleboards used to reach stranded residents. Military emergency units were deployed from the mainland to support overwhelmed local services.

The luxury Ibiza Gran Hotel was forced to shut after electrical systems were damaged. At the Vibra Tropical Garden Apartments near Figueretas Beach, a landslide injured three people and forced further evacuations. More than 220 tourists were removed from affected hotels as emergency shelters were set up at public fairgrounds.

Public Services Shut Down

Authorities ordered the closure of schools, parks, sports centres and other public facilities, urging residents to remain indoors and avoid flood-prone areas. Emergency teams worked around the clock to clear blocked roads and restore access to isolated communities.

Injuries and Calls for Disaster Zone Status

At least two people were reported seriously injured in flood-related incidents, while three more suffered injuries during the hotel landslide.

The scale of the devastation has prompted local leaders, including Mayor Rafael Triguero, to call for Ibiza to be formally declared a disaster zone, a move that would open up additional resources and state support for recovery.

As residents begin the clean-up, images of submerged cars, damaged hotels and flooded homes highlight the scale of destruction on an island better known as a global holiday paradise.