Published on Thursday, October 11, 2018

Nadal helps Majorca clean-up operation

Tennis champion Rafael Nadal is helping the clean-up operation on Majorca after flash floods that claimed the lives of at least 10 people, including two British tourists.

The British couple has been named as Anthony and Delia Green.

The 77- and 75-year-olds were being driven from the airport to their hotel in Cala Bona when they were caught up in floodwaters.

Local reports say the retired couple's taxi driver also died. The car was found submerged and on its side at the mouth of the torrent in S'Illot on Wednesday.

They are among 10 people who lost their lives after torrential rain hit the region around the town of Sant Llorenc, about 40 miles east of the capital, Palma.

Up to 9in (23cm) of rainfall fell on the island within a few hours on Tuesday evening and witnesses reported water levels rising quickly, leaving them minutes to get to safety.

A military emergency unit has been deployed in the area. In addition to helping clear up, Nadal, who lives on the island, has opened up his tennis academy as a shelter for people whose accommodation has been damaged.

He later tweeted: "Today is a sad day in Majorca. Our most sincere condolences to those that have died in the floods."