The Consell de Mallorca has approved the start of the tender process for works to improve drainage in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, a key measure to prevent flooding like the tragic torrentada (flash flood) on 9 October 2018, which caused 13 fatalities and serious damage in eastern Mallorca. The project, with a budget of €9 million, will begin in early 2026 and is expected to last approximately 11 months.
Infographic of the torrent of Ses Planes once the works on the Sant Llorenç bypass are completed. Source: Consell de Mallorca.
Hydraulic capacity increased fivefold
The works will focus on the Sant Llorenç bypass, across the torrent de Ses Planes, where the water passageways will increase from 4 to 10 and measure 5.7 metres wide by 4.4 metres high. With this expansion, the drainage capacity will increase from 105 cubic metres per second to 488.5 cubic metres per second, equivalent to almost 500 tonnes of water per second.
Additionally, the retaining walls will be reinforced to prevent overflow, and the roundabout near the Sant Llorenç to Son Servera road will be modified, as it previously acted as a barrier to water. For this reason, the project budget increased from €5 million to €9 million.
A project blocked for years
The torrent of Ses Planes today. Photo: Consell de Mallorca.
The processing of this hydraulic infrastructure was delayed for seven years due to expropriations, claims, and reports from various administrations. According to the Minister of Territory, Fernando Rubio, the project was “completely stalled” in 2023 and had to be redone “almost from scratch”.
In the previous legislature, almost nothing was done on a project that was absolutely crucial to prevent flooding, and we managed to unblock it. It is true that it is a complicated project and I understand that citizens do not see why such an important work has not been carried out after seven years, but now they can say that in the coming months we will launch the definitive solution to minimise possible flooding in Sant Llorenç, said Minister Rubio.
The Consell aims to award the works before the end of 2025 and ensure that construction starts in the first months of 2026.
The 2018 flash flood
On 9 October 2018, heavy rainfall caused the torrent of Ses Planes in Sant Llorenç to overflow. According to engineers, the roundabout near the town entrance acted as a “weir”, diverting the flow towards the urban centre and worsening the tragedy. The event resulted in 13 fatalities and significant material damage, becoming one of the worst recent natural disasters in Mallorca.
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