GONE WITH THE WIND

By Humphrey Carter
Photos: Michels
THE Balearics was hit by gale force winds yesterday causing further damage to areas still trying to recover from last week's tornado and torrential rain
Fire fighters were called out to various parts of Santa Ponsa to clear fallen trees and help secure roof tops and bill boards only to be hampered by outbreaks of torrential rain early yesterday afternoon. Constructors trying to set up the stage for this weekend's concert on Santa Ponsa beach could do little but watch the canvas be blown away by winds gusting at over 109 kilometres per hour while a number of yachts were damaged, blown against the rocks in the bay. In Mahon and Ciutadella, 15 litres per square metre of rainfall was recorded and gale force winds forced shipping companies to cancel crossings.
One of the Cape Balear ferries which set sail from Ciutadella yesterday morning was forced to turn back. The Local Police and fire service in Minorca had to rescue the crews off two yachts which were being severely battered by the gales while moored off Santadria beach. Kilometre-per-hour winds swept across Capdepera while Palma was hit by 68 kmph gales.
While not officially on storm alert, the Balearic emergency services which have had little rest since last week's storm with the weekend washed out in Ibiza and Minorca, are remaining on standby for the next few days with further heavy rains forecast for tomorrow. Civil Protection are asking the public to make sure that all items on balconies and terraces are well secured and not to take shelter, if caught in a storm over the next few days, near walls, trees or awnings. Drive with extreme caution, don't touch cables or electricity pylons and stay away from the sea.