British hiker dead and man missing after extreme weather hits Spanish island
A British woman was found dead in Mallorca on Wednesday, while emergency services continue to search for a man of the same nationality who was also caught in a flash flood on the Mediterranean island, Spanish police reported.
Spain's Civil Guard stated that the pair was hiking on a trail that winds through a small canyon to the sea when a storm caused the flash flood on Tuesday. Initial reports mistakenly indicated that the man had been found and the search was for the woman, but this was later corrected.
The search and rescue effort, involving firefighters and police, also led to the rescue of 10 other hikers trapped by the floods in the Tramontana mountains. Dramatic footage released by the Civil Guard shows rescue teams using helicopters to airlift stranded hikers from a ledge.
The island and parts of Spain’s eastern coast remain under a weather alert for strong winds and heavy rains, with further thunderstorms expected. The severe weather has already impacted the America's Cup sailing event in Barcelona, forcing organizers to postpone races after lightning struck near a yacht on Tuesday.
Local authorities had warned the public to avoid outdoor activities due to the "very intense storms," which prompted the emergency services to issue cautions against beach outings, hiking, and water sports.
Mallorca, a popular destination known for its picturesque beaches and sunny weather, is currently on alert for heavy rains and wind gusts exceeding 75 miles per hour. The island is a favored spot for tourists, particularly from Germany and Britain.
In a related incident earlier this year, a British hiker was found dead in the Pyrenees after going missing, highlighting the risks associated with hiking in extreme weather conditions.
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