The emergency mission coordinated by the Cabildo of Tenerife, organised by the Department of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, will set off tomorrow on an Army Airbus from Ciudad de La Laguna Airport, in Los Rodeos, heading to Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and ultimately Valencia, to assist in the rescue and aid operations for the areas impacted by the recent floods in the Valencian Community.
In response to a call for assistance from the Generalitat Valenciana, the deployment has been arranged in collaboration with the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government and the seven island councils. It will comprise specialised personnel (Tenerife and Brifor Firefighters) along with advanced equipment to aid in emergency procedures in the affected regions.
The contingent consists of 28 personnel and 20 motor pumps, alongside modern technology for rescue and water drainage operations in the flooded areas. Included in the resources assigned are twenty motor pumps from the Tenerife Fire Consortium, BRIFOR, the Tenerife Environmental Complex, and La Laguna Civil Protection, designated for drainage operations in areas experiencing water accumulation, such as garages, basements, and sewers.
The team comprises eight firefighters, organised into two groups of four members each, along with a command for overseeing and coordinating operations. Additionally, an underwater rescue team consisting of four members will aid in the recovery of submerged individuals or vehicles and provide assistance in stagnant water bodies.
The president of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, articulated that “all residents of Tenerife are deeply saddened by this tragedy. From day one, we have made ourselves available to assist families who are suffering, and tomorrow we will depart with an emergency team ready to offer whatever support is necessary. The heart of Tenerife reaches out to all the affected families, and we recognise that, despite the distance, our presence will provide help and solace to those impacted.”
In turn, Blanca Pérez, the Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, emphasised that “we are joining this collaborative effort with a motivated and prepared team to provide support in the Valencian Community. Our personnel and advanced technology in underwater rescue and drone operation are part of our ongoing commitment to safety and environmental protection. Each member who travels represents the values of Tenerife and our dedication to assisting those facing hazardous situations.”
The operation also includes a specialised drone team, made up of four personnel, who will undertake search and rescue missions in hard-to-reach areas, conduct night-time observations, and capture images to evaluate intervention zones.
Iván Martín, Island Director of Security and Emergencies, added that “our team is already activated and eager to assist on the ground as they are specialised professionals who understand how to respond in disasters as severe as the one Valencia is facing these days. We are not merely dispatching a team for emergencies; we are also conveying the commitment of Tenerife residents to support those in need during these challenging times.”
