Stormwater carries waste from overflowing drains onto Ceuta’s beaches

A heavy storm flooded Ceuta’s beaches with waste after drains used as makeshift toilets by migrants overflowed, leaving residents facing a strong, unpleasant odour. The incident highlights the strain on the Spanish enclave, where thousands of migrants remain after a large influx and poor living conditions have heightened local and national political tensions.

Local reports said rain also washed plastic, cans, bottles and wet wipes into the sea. Earlier in October, more than 350 police officers and soldiers cleared a camp at El Guano esplanade ahead of a royal visit; migrants were taken to reception centres for processing, while some fled into nearby hills. The Interior Ministry described it as the fifth operation in recent weeks to clear public areas.