The southeast coast of Tenerife returned to normalcy yesterday following a severe sea storm that forced the evacuation of nearly 150 individuals and caused damage to numerous homes, promenades, walkways, and certain streets last Wednesday during high tide hours, both in the early morning and afternoon.
The most significant destruction took place in Arico, Güímar, and Candelaria, where yesterday, with the sea relatively calmer, the aftermath of waves measuring up to four meters high could be observed, resulting in unprecedented scenes such as the sea reaching the Fuente de los Peregrinos, located at the entrance to the Basilica of Candelaria. “I’ve never seen anything like this before,” echoed the sentiments of the residents.
The Cabildo confirmed yesterday that in both Güímar and Candelaria, residents were able to return to their homes, many of which are secondary residences. As per the information provided by the insular institution, a total of 70 homes were evacuated preventively on the coast of Güímar, while in the case of Candelaria, five houses were evacuated.
In Arico, 60 homes on the first line of the coast were evacuated, and as of yesterday afternoon, the proprietors or inhabitants of 14 residences in La Mareta and five in Las Arenas were still unable to return home, awaiting assessments by technical experts. The Cabildo stated that the affected individuals were relocated to relatives’ residences and efforts were being made to find alternative housing for a resident of Las Arenas.
Local sources reported that the waves entered more than a dozen homes in La Mareta, causing damage to doors, windows, furniture, and appliances. In the case of Güímar, the surges led to damage to the terraces of at least two residences (pending technical evaluation), while the impact of the waves was also visible yesterday on promenades, walkways, and certain streets.
In Candelaria, the beaches were gradually reopened, with the exception of La Viuda, as the city council identified that the damage to the access to the bathing area posed a risk to users. The same situation arose at the end of Punta Larga beach (closest to the former Tenerife Tour hotel building) and in a section of Los Guanches beach, particularly between one of the entrances located on La Arena street and Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias. The municipal parking lot in front of the town hall was also reopened, although the council decided to keep the San Blas promenade closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Although the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands lifted the alert for coastal flooding and winds yesterday, the Cabildo reiterated the importance of avoiding standing at the ends of docks or breakwaters during periods of high waves and flood risks. It was also highlighted that individuals should not take unnecessary risks by shooting photographs or videos on the shoreline where the waves crash.
Additionally, the Cabildo stressed the importance of refraining from driving on roads close to the beach line during high tides or engaging in sports and recreational activities in areas near the coast.
