Two killed and 20 missing as flash floods sweep Majorca

AT LEAST two people were reported dead last night and a further 20 were said to be missing following flash floods on the holiday island of Majorca.

Among the dead was an elderly man who was trapped by water in his home as his neighbours sheltered on roofs, in treetops and inside their vehicles, local radio station Onda Cero reported.

On social media, some people described the scenes as “biblical” as rivers burst their banks around Sant Lorenc on the east of the island. It is understood both the recorded fatalities happened in the town.

Video footage circulating last night showed cars and other vehicles, with people inside them, being dragged along streets by the water.

Several cars were also reported to have been dragged into the sea in Colònia de Sant Pere, in Artà on the north east of the island, reported the radio station ib3.

Rescue workers were trying to reach those affected after torrential rain in the region. It is understood northern and eastern areas of the island were also at risk of further floods last night.

In Manacor, a town less than 10 miles from Sant Lorenc, people whose homes had become uninhabitable sought shelter in a sports centre.

The army was also being drafted in to help with the rescue effort, with as many as 100 soldiers preparing to head to the eastern area of the island.

A red alert was also issued by the local weather agency, warning of further downpours, while schools were also set to be closed today.