Introduction
Ibiza Town and Santa Eulària, two jewels of the Mediterranean, are no strangers to the occasional storm. However, when Mother Nature unleashes her fury, these coastal towns must brace themselves for the worst. Recently, a powerful storm swept through these municipalities, leaving a trail of damage in its wake. In this article, we’ll delve into how the communities of Ibiza Town and Santa Eulària are coping with the aftermath of this tempest and the incredible resilience displayed by both locals and businesses.
Ibiza Town’s Battle with the Elements
Ibiza Town, renowned for its vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches, faced the wrath of the storm. For many businesses along the coastline, this was a test of their preparedness and resilience. Noé Fernández, the manager of Beachouse, located in Platja d’en Bossa, shared insights into their experience.
“It really hasn’t affected us much,” he said, sounding relieved. “Because it gave us time to prepare. When we saw that the water level was beginning to rise, we removed the hammocks, although, despite that, it reached the third row, of the four that we have.”
Fernández revealed that Beachouse has well-defined action protocols for such situations. Anticipating the storm, these protocols were activated to prevent problems. Most clients at the establishment were not significantly affected by the situation. In fact, despite some cancellations, many still enjoyed their day indoors.
However, what astounded Fernández was how high the water surged on the beach. “In the four years I have been here, I have seen storms that were stronger, especially due to heavy rain. But I had never seen the sea rise as much as yesterday. And it is still very high.”
Troubles in Talamanca
Talamanca, a picturesque coastal area, didn’t have the luxury of time to prepare. The waves hit the terraces of Talamanca Hostel with unprecedented force. Juan Marí, the hostel’s maître d’, described the situation, saying, “The waves hit very hard on the awnings. They reached the top, and it was a very difficult day.”
Reservations dwindled at the restaurant, and only about 30 to 40% of the establishment was operational. Marí lamented the significant losses due to its frontline location. Compared to a typical Sunday, business was down by 30 to 35%.
The situation was so dire that Marí had to call 112 twice during the afternoon. However, despite sending images of the situation to the Fire Department, they were unable to attend. “The hotel was surrounded by water, and we were incommunicado, but this is something that happens to us with some storms,” Marí explained.
Rapid Response by Ibiza City Council
In response to the storm’s impact, the Ibiza City Council activated an immediate action protocol. The focus was primarily on Talamanca Beach, where council operators worked diligently to restore access and clean the beach, strewn with debris and plastics carried in by the waves.
Throughout Sunday, the Local Police received a total of 35 calls related to storm incidents, including fallen trees, branches, and displaced garbage containers. They also had to ensure the safety of beachgoers who, despite the red flag, ventured offshore.
Santa Eulària’s Assessment and Resilience
Santa Eulària, like its neighbor Ibiza Town, has dedicated significant efforts to assess the storm’s damages and prepare for continued adverse weather conditions. Toñi Picó, the councilor for Litoral, emphasized that their primary concern was safety, and they remain vigilant until the storm subsides.
The City Council of Santa Eulària has also contacted boat owners whose vessels were stranded due to the storm. Additionally, they have initiated a thorough damage assessment, examining each beach for necessary repairs. Among the most affected areas is Llonga cove, where measures like sand retainers and facility inspections are underway.
Mónica Madrid, the councilor for Cleaning, revealed that beach leveling work is scheduled to begin on Wednesday. It will commence with the urban core beaches and then extend to those frequented by more visitors. The es Canar promenade, significantly impacted by displaced posidonia, will also undergo cleaning today.
Conclusion
While the recent storm undoubtedly left its mark on Ibiza Town and Santa Eulària, the resilience of these communities shines through. Businesses like Beachouse and Talamanca Hostel displayed remarkable preparedness and adaptability, ensuring their clients’ safety and enjoyment. The swift response by the Ibiza City Council further underlines the commitment to safeguarding residents and visitors.
As both towns continue to assess and recover from the storm’s impact, their determination to bounce back stronger than ever is evident. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit to this beautiful part of the world, you can rest assured that the spirit of Ibiza and Santa Eulària will prevail, even in the face of adversity.
