The emergency authorities of the Illes Balears have issued an orange alert for Menorca the Orange alert level (IG-1 of the Plan Meteobal) due to expected Rissagas declared. According to Dirección General de Emergencias e Interior, which first Europa Press reported, the heightened alert applies for today and is aimed in particular at port operators, coastal services and local councils. In parallel, the state weather agency AEMET has an official yellow warning in force for Menorca from 08:00 to 23:59; during this period, short-term sea-level oscillations of up to 0.9 metres are forecast.
The regional emergency authority’s move means a higher level of preparedness in risk management, while AEMET’s official danger level remains yellow. The authorities justify the activation by the likelihood of significant, rapidly developing changes in water levels in coastal and harbour areas. Rissagas are abrupt sea-level oscillations caused by atmospheric and barometric disturbances, which can locally greatly exceed the usual tidal range.
The Dirección General de Emergencias e Interior recommends securing boats in harbours more firmly, keeping away from jetties and low-lying shoreline areas, and not leaving vehicles or equipment in areas at risk of flooding. Operators of port and coastal facilities have been asked to review safety plans and brief staff. No general closures or evacuations had been announced by the morning.
In its maritime warnings, AEMET refers to the affected stretch of Menorca’s coast and the expected times of the oscillations. The different levels – an internal Orange alert under the regional emergency plan on the one hand, and AEMET’s official yellow warning on the other – are common, complementary instruments in Spain: while AEMET classifies the meteorological danger, the Illes Balears emergency authority adjusts its operational readiness and recommendations to local risks.
Experience of previous rissaga events in the Balearic Islands shows that the effects can vary greatly from one harbour to another. Boats moored in harbours, mooring lines, low-lying quays and promenades are particularly at risk. The authorities advise people to follow developments closely through the official AEMET and regional emergency authority channels and to heed instructions locally. Forecasts may change with the weather; today’s classification is being continuously reviewed and adjusted if necessary.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).