National Police officers in Ibiza carried out a series of humanitarian operations to rescue and assist citizens trapped by the heavy flooding caused by storm Ex Gabrielle. Among the most notable interventions was the rescue of 25 children from a nursery, where they had climbed onto desks to escape the rising water, as well as the evacuation of families trapped in vehicles, including a disabled man, a pregnant woman with her five-year-old son, and several elderly people with reduced mobility.
The storm Ex Gabrielle severely affected the island of Ibiza on the morning of September 30, causing extensive flooding in multiple areas of the municipality, particularly along main streets and avenues, where the water reached depths of up to one metre. In response to the emergency, the National Police activated public safety protocols and immediately deployed several patrols, working in coordination with the Civil Guard, Local Police and emergency services.
“The officers, facing serious access difficulties due to floating vehicles and completely flooded streets, carried out multiple rescues both on foot and with vehicles”, explained a police press release. At another critical moment, they detected a strong smell of gas on 8 de Agosto Avenue, which posed an imminent risk of explosion. In response, they escorted an emergency technician to the site so the leak could be repaired.
They also assisted a family trapped in a car on the Santa Eulària–Portinatx road, where several children and adults were rescued. “The operations lasted for several hours, with the officers working in extreme conditions, with water up to their waists and no mobile communication due to network saturation,” the statement added.
Despite these challenges, the officers managed to rescue more than 30 people, many of them in shock or suffering from hypothermia, and brought them to safe areas. Collaboration with firefighters, health services and the Civil Guard was key to the success of the interventions.
The National Police highlighted the commitment of its officers in emergency situations, praising their professionalism, bravery and humanity.