'Mini tsunami' hits Majorca and Menorca, flooding beaches and restaurants
A weather phenomenon known as a meteotsunami caused a 5ft (1.5m) wave to hit the Spanish islands on Monday morning.
Wednesday 18 July 2018 05:53, UK
A "mini tsunami" has caused flooding on the Spanish islands of Majorca and Menorca.
Beaches, restaurants and roads were hit by high seawaters after the 5ft (1.5m) wave reportedly struck on Monday morning.
A weather phenomenon known as a meteotsunami was blamed for the flooding which affected Ciutadella, on the west coast of Menorca, and Alcudia in the north of Majorca.
Footage posted online showed water rushing across roads and boat owners struggling to control their vessels out at sea.
A meteotsunami - also called a rissaga - is triggered by disturbances in air pressure following fast-moving weather events such as severe thunderstorms.
The large waves can reach heights of 6ft (1.8m) and are generally smaller than tsunamis, which are caused by seismic activity.
No injuries have been reported.
The flooding in Majorca hit areas about 40 miles from Sant Llorenc, where the hit dating show Love Island is being filmed.