LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA 11 Apr. (Press Europa) –
The Government of the Canary Islands has lifted the rain alert for all the islands and the pre-alert situation for flood risk due to rainfall from 08:00 on Friday, following the end of adverse weather conditions, including the falling of light poles and various branches, as well as some trees.
The second front of this storm impacted the northern and northwestern regions of Tenerife on Thursday, resulting in over twenty incidents relating to the collapse of stones and obstacles on the TF-12, TF-13, and TF-21 roads, alongside the downing of light poles, branches, and several trees.
Measures were also taken in Achique de Agua in homes located in La Laguna, which forced some residents to spend the night outside their homes, as detailed by the regional government in a communiqué.
In Gran Canaria, stones fell onto the GC-75 road that connects Moya with Pagador, and on the GC-220 near Hoya Pinea in Gáldar, which was recorded at 05:00 hours. Consequently, the GC-605 road, which runs through the girls’ dam, has been closed.
There were also reports of falling stones on the GM-1, near the Vallehermoso tunnel in La Gomera, and on the LP-3 in La Palma.
The Emergency and Security Coordinating Centre (CECOES) 112 of the Canary Islands Government has documented 236 incidents since the declaration of the rain alert was issued last Wednesday.
By island, Tenerife has recorded 135 incidents; Gran Canaria, 52; La Gomera, 19; La Palma, 13; Lanzarote, 9; El Hierro, 5; and 3 in Fuerteventura.
The majority of these incidents involved landslides affecting roads and the need for water removal in homes and streets across various municipalities within the islands, as well as disruption to public lighting and electricity supply, among other issues.
Notably, there have been no injuries reported during this episode of adverse weather that has impacted the archipelago.
Over the next 48 hours, moderate precipitation may occur, with some areas of the islands potentially experiencing heavy rainfall. Therefore, the public is advised to exercise caution, particularly when travelling by road.
Risk of Land Movement
The Government of the Canary Islands reiterates to councils and municipalities the importance of taking precautionary measures ahead of potential new landslides of stones and branches, which may occur following the heavy rains caused by the passage of the ‘Olivier’ storm across the islands.
In this regard, it is advised to ensure the safety of outdoor sporting events scheduled for the coming days, to prevent any incidents arising from the accumulation of water or the instability of certain infrastructure.
Additionally, it is paramount to remain vigilant in case activities occur in mountainous regions over this weekend, as trail and road conditions, along with soil stability, have been compromised by the intense rainfall that has affected all the islands.
The preventative measures taken, along with the public’s compliance with the recommendations provided by the Government for alert and pre-alert situations, have been crucial in preventing more serious incidents during this adverse weather event.
