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Calvià activates special security measures for the total solar eclipse on August 12

Calvià activates security measures for the total solar eclipse on August 12, with access restrictions to viewpoints and Santa Ponça beach as an official observation area.

Laura CifreLaura Cifre· · 4 min read

The Calvià Town Hall will launch a coordination and security operation due to the total solar eclipse on August 12, declared of exceptional public interest.

The Calvià Town Hall has designed a security and coordination device for the total solar eclipse that will take place on August 12. The astronomical phenomenon, declared by the Central Government as of exceptional public interest, will mobilise Local Police, Civil Protection and volunteers, in collaboration with the Balearic Government and other administrations.

The operation will begin 24 hours before the eclipse, with the progressive deployment of services responsible for managing mobility and security in the municipality. The aim is to ensure the safety of residents and visitors, preserve the natural environment, and ensure the functioning of emergency services.

The surveillance and rescue service along the coast will be especially reinforced. Santa Ponça beach, designated as the Official Observation Zone (ZOO) by the Balearic Government, will extend its lifeguard service until at least 10:00 PM. Throughout the day, volunteers and Civil Protection personnel will provide service, and two boats will carry out surveillance and support tasks at sea.

The entire operation will be coordinated with the Civil Guard, Local Police and Civil Protection to ensure a rapid response to any incidents both on land and along the coast.

Mobility and access restrictions

As a preventive measure, access to Puig de Sa Morisca and the main viewpoints in the municipality, such as El Toro and the Illes Malgrats, will not be permitted. The aim is to avoid overcrowding in areas with limited evacuation capacity.

Santa Ponça beach will be the only official observation point in Calvià, one of 26 designated across the archipelago. The Town Hall will monitor the capacity of this area at all times; once its maximum capacity is reached, access will be closed, so entry cannot be guaranteed for everyone who arrives.

Continuous monitoring of traffic will be carried out throughout the day. Depending on occupancy levels and operational needs, additional restrictions on vehicle access may be established, even before the initially planned time, if circumstances advise so to ensure safety.

The Town Hall recommends avoiding unnecessary travel during the morning of the eclipse, especially towards coastal areas and viewpoints. For those who must travel, public transport is advised to reduce traffic congestion and facilitate the work of emergency services. Residents, those staying in tourist establishments, and those with justifiable travel can access the municipality and their destinations, although they may encounter traffic controls and regulations.

Timings and recommendations for observation

The eclipse will begin at 7:38 PM. The totality phase, during which day will turn into night, will occur between 8:30 PM and 8:34 PM and will last about a minute and a half in Mallorca. The phenomenon will end around 9:00 PM.

Whenever possible, it is recommended to observe the eclipse from wherever each person is, whether it be their home, tourist accommodation, or any nearby open space, avoiding unnecessary travel.

To plan the observation, the Balearic Government and AstroMallorca have launched the Horitzó Eclipsi 2026 application, a free digital tool available in Catalan, Spanish, English, and German. It can be accessed through the website www.horitzo2026.com and installed on mobile devices, tablets, and computers as a progressive web application (PWA). The platform includes educational content and basic safety recommendations.

The Town Hall reminds that the sun should never be observed directly without certified protection, as it can cause serious and irreversible eye injuries. It is essential to use certified glasses with ISO 12312-2:2015 certification. Homemade methods such as X-rays, smoked glass, sunglasses, CDs, or unverified filters are not valid.

Additionally, since the eclipse coincides with a period of high risk for forest fires, it is reminded that making fires, using heat sources, or leaving waste in the natural environment is prohibited. Compliance with the instructions of security and emergency services is requested at all times.

Laura Cifre

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Laura Cifre

Redactora

Periodismo por la UIB con el escáner policial de fondo. Duerme poco, desconfía de la previsión del tiempo y madruga sin protestar (casi); cubre sucesos, sanidad y lo que preocupa al vecino.