Tenerife and the Canary Islands are facing a state of emergency following the impact of an unprecedented storm characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall. Storm Therese has prompted residents and tourists across the Spanish archipelago to seek refuge as 70mph winds and relentless downpours have persisted for five consecutive days. The severe conditions have led to the establishment of temporary shelters to accommodate thousands seeking safety from the widespread destruction, which has eroded vast areas of land and transformed roads into waterways.
Tragically, a man was discovered deceased on Tenerife, a Canary Island heavily affected by the severe weather. The body was found by two tourists in a remote location in Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife, earlier this week. The tumultuous weather conditions, including rain, hail, and even snow in elevated regions, have resulted in striking visuals capturing the chaotic impact of Storm Therese.
Images depict homes being demolished, landslides caused by rain and wind, and popular city streets submerged in water. One notable incident involved British tourists stranded on a minibus in Tenerife, as heavy rain wreaked havoc on tourist hubs like San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Santa LucÃa, Mogán, and Telde in Gran Canaria. The passengers, trapped in Puerto de la Cruz, resorted to exiting through the sunroof as floodwaters rose within the tunnel, calling out for assistance.
Despite the perilous situation, all bus occupants were successfully rescued, with firefighters employing a daring ladder rescue to save two female passengers. This rescue operation occurred concurrently with an emergency weather warning alert issued to residents in the area. Efforts to drain flooded streets and highways, rescue individuals caught in flash floods, and provide shelter for those affected by the severe weather have been ongoing as the Canary Islands grapple with the aftermath of the devastating storm.