Clean-up operation begins after deadly flash flooding kills at least nine in Majorca

Cars piled up in the aftermath of Spain's torrential rainstorm that has claimed the lives of at least six people. Credit: EBU

Nine people have died, including two Britons, following flash flooding on the Spanish island of Majorca.

The British pair are thought to have drowned when the taxi they were travelling in the town of Sant Llorenc, the town hardest hit by the downpours became engulfed in rising floodwaters on Tuesday night.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are supporting the family of two British people following their deaths in Spain, and will do all we can to assist them at this deeply difficult time.

"Our staff remain in contact with the Spanish authorities who are responsible for responding to the floods, and are ready to assist any other British people who require our help."

Rafael Nadal works with residents to clear the mud from their houses in San Llorenç. Credit: AP/Francisco Ubilla

A huge clear-up operation is underway on the island, following the devastating impact of the flooding.

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal, who is from the area hit by floods, is helping with the clean-up and offered shelter to those displaced from their homes.

The 11-time French Open champion was pictured on social media clearing mud in the aftermath of the flooding and took to social media to offer shelter at his sports centre and tennis academy to those who needed it.

In a post on his Facebook page, the 32-year-old wrote: "Today is a sad day in Majorca.

"My most sincere condolences to the relatives of the deceased and wounded by the severe floods in San Llorenç.

"As we did yesterday we offer today the facilities and rooms of the Rafa Nadal Academy and the Rafa Nadal Sports Centre for all those affected who need accommodation."

Witnesses to the torrential rainfall said a dry creek overflowed, creating a strong current of water and mud that buried cars and tore down trees.

"It all happened in less than 10 minutes," a witness told Spanish TV. "We had to swim to try to survive."

Rescuers are looking for several people who have gone missing, including a five-year-old boy, after a torrential rainstorm hit the region, emergency services report.

Vehicles piled up in Sant Llorenc, the town hardest hit by the downpours. Credit: AP

Hundreds of displaced residents are seeking shelter in emergency relief centres, while 80 soldiers from the military emergency unit have been sent to assist the rescue effort, Spanish authorities said.

Household items from flood-affected homes in Sant Llorenc, Mallorca. Credit: AP

At least three towns closed schools and hundreds of people were given shelter in sport facilities.

The flooding also affected phone communications and forced the closure of at least seven major roads.

Some parts of the island received up to nine inches of rainfall in around four hours on Tuesday evening.

The Spanish weather agency said more heavy rainfall is expected on Wednesday in eastern and southern parts of the Iberian peninsula.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called news of the flooding "devastating".

He said: "My solidarity and support goes out to the families and friends of victims and all the affected by these tragic floods."

  • What the aftermath of Mallorca's deadly floods look like

Residents clean the mud inside their house, after flooding in Sant Llorenc, Majorca. Credit: AP
Residents clear mud from the flooded streets of Sant Llorenc, Mallorca. Credit: AP