Violent Hurricane Melissa has unleashed chaos across Tenerife, flattening homes and leaving a staggering 58,000 residents without electricity as the catastrophic storm continues to pummel the Canary Islands.
Destruction Across the Islands
The ferocious hurricane, packing winds of up to 90mph, has caused unprecedented damage to infrastructure and property. Emergency services are battling to reach affected areas as fallen trees and debris block roads throughout the popular tourist destination.
Local authorities have confirmed multiple homes have been completely destroyed in the hardest-hit regions, with rescue teams working through the night to ensure resident safety.
Mass Power Outages
Energy companies report that restoring electricity to all affected customers could take several days as crews work in dangerous conditions to repair downed power lines and damaged substations.
Key impacts include:
- 58,000 properties without power across Tenerife
- Emergency shelters established in multiple locations
- All flights grounded at Tenerife South Airport
- Coastal areas evacuated due to storm surge risks
Tourist Hotspots Affected
The hurricane has particularly impacted southern tourist areas, including popular resorts where emergency services are assisting stranded visitors. Hotel managers have implemented emergency protocols, moving guests to secure areas as the storm continues its path of destruction.
Meteorologists warn that Hurricane Melissa shows no signs of weakening, with strong winds and heavy rainfall expected to continue throughout the coming hours.
Emergency Response
Spanish emergency services have deployed additional resources to the islands, with military assistance requested to help with the growing humanitarian crisis. Residents are being urged to remain indoors and avoid all non-essential travel until the hurricane passes.
This represents one of the most severe weather events to hit the Canary Islands in recent decades, with damage estimates expected to run into millions of euros.
