Esporles closes the Verger due to the risk of further landslides

The Esporles Town Council has restricted access to the El Verger area due to the risk of further landslides, following another rockfall on the night of January 22nd in a location with a history of similar incidents in recent years. According to a statement released by the Town Council on Saturday, all available resources and personnel have been activated to address the situation. During the early hours of Friday the 23rd, the Town Council, accompanied by the Local Police, the Mallorca Fire Department, the Municipal Brigade, the Civil Guard, the Island Council's Road Service, the Environmental Agent, and the 112 emergency services, accessed the area to coordinate the initial operations. Mayor Josep Ferrà traveled to the site to oversee the actions and visit the affected residents, later accompanied by the Director General of Emergencies for the Balearic Government, Pablo Gárriz. Initial inspection and risk assessment

Mallorca firefighters inspected the area in the early hours of Friday morning, supported by the Milana helicopter, which allowed for an aerial reconnaissance with video recording. Initial actions focused on facilitating the evacuation of vehicles and removing fallen trees, while the Consell de Mallorca (Mallorca Council) mobilized resources to remove rocks. However, the mechanical work had to be suspended due to the high risk of further landslides. Subsequently, technicians from the Balearic Islands Center for the Observation of Natural Risks and Emergencies (RiscBal – UIB) conducted a drone inspection to prepare a preliminary report. According to initial assessments, the landslide is related to accumulated rainfall since mid-December 2025 and the high soil moisture, which has increased significantly during the last week.

Preventive evacuation recommendation

The technical services agreed that, given the existing risk and the adverse weather forecast, it is not advisable to use heavy machinery or maintain a continuous presence of personnel in the area. Therefore, the temporary evacuation of the affected homes has been recommended until the final technical report is available, expected by early or mid-next week. Mayor Ferrà emphasized that "the absolute priority is the safety of the people" and that the City Council has acted with "prudence and speed, activating all available resources and offering alternative housing to the affected families if needed."

Measures adopted

With this information, the City Council reinforced the closure of the area to prevent access by vehicles and pedestrians, increased signage warning of the risk of landslides, immediately informed residents of the recommendation for preventive evacuation, and offered temporary housing to people without alternative housing or a support network. So far, no personal injuries or structural damage to homes have been reported, only to two private roads that remain sealed off. Access to the area is completely restricted for vehicles, pedestrians, hikers, and climbers.

Background and preventive actions

Verger is a place with a history of recurring rockfalls. The same homes were already affected in March 2015 and 2018, when a rock struck a house. As a preventative measure, a weather station was installed that year, and informational talks were organized to improve the culture of prevention.

Activation of the Platerbal

This Friday, the Balearic Government activated the Platerbal (fire prevention and control plan). At 7:00 PM, a meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee was held at the 112 Emergency Coordination Center (CECOP), with the participation of the mayor, the Local Police, the Fire Department, RiscBal (the Balearic Forest Fire Prevention and Control Service), and the Department of Roads of the Island Council. After reviewing the preliminary reports, it was agreed to keep the plan activated and continue with the technical evaluation until the final report is available. The Fire Department and the Department of Roads have removed some of the forest debris to facilitate the exit of vehicles belonging to affected residents.

Appeal to civic responsibility

The City Council reiterated that access to the area remains restricted until further notice and appealed for prudence and civic responsibility, urging everyone not to attempt to enter the affected area. The City Council expressed its gratitude for the collaboration of the Island Council and the Balearic Government, especially the Island Director of Roads, Rafel Gelabert; the Director General of Emergencies, Pablo Gárriz; and the President of the Balearic Government, Marga Prohens, who inquired about the situation.