Storm Therese Unleashes Chaos Across the Canary Islands
Extreme weather conditions have plunged the Canary Islands into a state of emergency, with Storm Therese causing widespread flooding, landslides, and chaos across the Spanish archipelago. The storm, described by officials as the "storm of the century," has battered the region with a relentless combination of 70mph winds and torrential rain for five consecutive days, leading to dramatic rescues, evacuations, and significant property damage.
Rescues and Evacuations Amidst Rising Floodwaters
Emergency services have been deployed extensively to extract water from submerged streets and motorways, while rescue teams work tirelessly to save those trapped by the severe conditions. In a particularly harrowing incident, a group of British tourists found themselves stranded in a minibus in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, as floodwaters rapidly rose inside a tunnel. Footage captured the tourists screaming for help, with some exiting through the sunroof in a desperate bid for safety. Firefighters conducted a daring rescue using a ladder lowered from a bridge, successfully saving two female passengers. All tourists aboard emerged unharmed, highlighting the bravery of rescue crews.
Additionally, makeshift shelters and evacuation centres have been established across the islands to provide safety for thousands of residents and holidaymakers displaced by the storm. Officials report that people caught off guard by flash flooding, such as at the Guiniguada ravine, have also been rescued, though one man was found dead in a remote area of Santa Cruz, Tenerife, underscoring the storm's deadly impact.
Widespread Damage and Disruption
The volatile weather has produced a series of dramatic images showcasing the devastation: homes torn apart, landslides triggered by rain and wind, and bustling city streets in tourist hotspots like San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Santa Lucía, Mogán, and Telde in Gran Canaria completely submerged. Coastal areas have been hit especially hard, with rivers turning into waterfalls and vast tracts of land eroded. The storm has even brought rare phenomena, including heavy hail and snow over elevated ground, adding to the chaos.
Property damage is extensive, with floodwaters entering homes and destroying infrastructure, while airports have faced disruptions, leaving travellers, including Brits, stranded. A rare emergency weather warning alert was sent to mobile phones in the area, warning of imminent flooding risks, but many were still caught unprepared by the speed and severity of the conditions.
Ongoing Response and Future Concerns
As officials continue to manage the crisis, efforts focus on water extraction, rescue operations, and providing aid to affected communities. The combination of wind, rain, and flooding has turned streets into rivers, forcing residents to seek higher ground and shelter. With warnings of more severe weather to come, the situation remains volatile, and authorities urge caution for those in the region.
The impact of Storm Therese serves as a stark reminder of the power of extreme weather events, with the Canary Islands facing a long recovery ahead. The resilience of emergency services and the community will be tested in the coming days as they work to restore normalcy amidst the aftermath of this historic storm.
