The Cabildo of Tenerife has initiated the Tenerife Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) due to the situation of maximum wind alert impacting the island. This has resulted in the closure of recreational and camping areas, alongside a ban on traffic on forest trails and paths.
In an announcement, the insular Corporation clarified that the General Directorate of Emergencies has revised the circumstances established this Friday, elevating to high alert for winds in the northern and western regions of Tenerife, while retaining an alert status in other municipalities.
The Cabildo has opted to temporarily shut down the recreational and camping areas managed by the island Corporation and has forbidden off-road travel along any trails, paths or tracks in forested areas (including Anaga and Teno Rural Parks), unless for essential management purposes or due to unforeseen circumstances.
Additionally, access on foot to the paths of Teide National Park and the Barranco de Masca has been prohibited.
President Rosa Dávila remarked that “we have activated the Island Emergency Plan due to the maximum wind alert affecting certain municipalities in Tenerife.”
“We must implement precautionary measures to ensure public safety and we urge the community to exercise extreme caution, and wherever feasible, avoid outdoor activities,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Natural Environment, Sustainability and Security and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, mentioned that “these measures are aimed at safeguarding the public as the anticipated winds pose a risk of falling trees, branches, and landslides. We must act prudently to prevent unnecessary accidents.”
She also pointed out that “we are keeping a close watch as the winds could potentially impact coastal areas, hence we need to be well-prepared for adverse coastal meteorological events.”
The activation of the PEIN entails vigilant monitoring of the meteorological phenomenon, as well as readiness of the island’s means and resources should intervention become necessary.
Consequently, various departments within the Cabildo will either suspend or defer outdoor activities that were previously scheduled, particularly those coinciding with the designated zones. In addition, island services and resources are on standby in case their assistance is required.
The Cabildo is advising municipalities to consider implementing preventive measures in accordance with the current warning, and urges the public to adhere to the self-protection guidelines issued by Civil Protection authorities, particularly steering clear of peak areas on the island and refraining from outdoor activities.
