Storm Therese: A Devastating Force in the Canary Islands
Introduction to the Chaos
Storm Therese has unleashed its fury on the Canary Islands for five consecutive days, leading to what local media are calling “the storm of the century.” Thousands of residents and holidaymakers have been forced to evacuate as the popular Spanish archipelago grapples with severe weather conditions just days before the Easter holiday period. The situation has escalated into a crisis, particularly affecting British tourists who find themselves caught in the chaos.
Impact on Gran Canaria
In Gran Canaria alone, over 3,000 individuals have been displaced or stranded due to relentless rainfall that has triggered widespread flooding. Access to entire communities has been severed, leaving many residents in precarious situations. Evacuees are currently taking shelter in a secondary school, while emergency services warn that conditions may worsen. The island’s infrastructure is under severe strain, with roads crumbling and neighborhoods being evacuated.
Reservoir Concerns and Flooding
The threat of overflowing reservoirs has heightened fears among residents. In the village of Agaete, entire neighborhoods have been cleared as authorities anticipate that a nearby reservoir could burst, potentially washing away properties in the Los Perez and El Hornillo areas. Rivers across the island have breached their banks, prompting at least ten reservoirs to release water through their dams to alleviate mounting pressure. The Las Ninas dam is now under scrutiny as concerns grow that it could be the next to overflow.
Landslides and Road Closures
Landslides have rendered more than ten roads impassable, isolating significant portions of Gran Canaria. A major route was closed after the Arguineguin ravine burst its banks, complicating rescue efforts and emergency responses. Popular tourist destinations such as San Bartolome de Tirajana, Santa Lucia, Mogan, and Telde have been severely affected, with mountain access roads remaining treacherous. Coastal properties in Pozo Izquierdo have also suffered damage from fierce winds and sea spray.
Tenerife’s Struggles
Tenerife has not been spared from the storm’s wrath. Winds reaching 73 mph overnight knocked out electricity and street lighting across parts of the southwest and northwest, leaving many residents without power. Reports indicate that a hotel roof collapsed under the extreme conditions, prompting guests to remain in their rooms for safety. The chaos extends to the airport, where flights from London, Manchester, and Newcastle have been diverted, with Lanzarote experiencing the worst disruptions.
Rescue Operations Underway
Dramatic rescue operations are ongoing throughout the archipelago. On La Gomera, 15 residents, including children, became trapped in Vallehermoso after a retaining wall gave way. While some individuals are being airlifted to safety, others have chosen to remain in their homes despite the dangers. The situation at Tenerife South Airport has been described as “chaos,” with lengthy luggage queues causing some passengers to miss their flights.
Travel Disruptions and Advice for Tourists
Air travel is gradually returning to normal, with La Palma reporting only minor delays. However, British tourists have been strongly advised to remain indoors and avoid travel until conditions improve. E-gates at the airport have reportedly malfunctioned, leading to long queues as travelers wait to see a single passport officer. One Tenerife resident advised on social media to arrive at the airport early due to the high volume of people.
Weather Warnings Persist
Yellow weather warnings remain in effect across Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and Gran Canaria. Forecasters predict further heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and hail. While meteorologists anticipate that the storm may begin to subside on Wednesday and Thursday as trade winds return to the region, they caution that conditions could shift at any moment. Continued vigilance is urged among both holidaymakers and residents as the situation unfolds.
Conclusion
As Storm Therese continues to batter the Canary Islands, the impact on local communities and tourists is profound. With evacuation efforts underway and emergency services working tirelessly, the resilience of the islands is being tested. The coming days will be critical as authorities navigate the challenges posed by this unprecedented weather event.
