SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 8th April. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, under the Security Department, has activated the Municipal Emergency Plan (PEMU) in response to a wind alert issued by the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands, starting from 8:00 p.m. this Monday. As a precautionary measure, all outdoor activities in the municipality have been suspended.
These suspended activities include the special mass and procession of the Lord of Tribulations, originally scheduled for 7:00 p.m., and the subsequent unveiling of a plaque commemorating the 130th anniversary of Lord of Tribulations Street.
The celebration has been rescheduled to next Wednesday, as announced by the Centro-Ifara district, following a statement from the City Council.
According to the decree signed by the Councilor for Security, Gladis de León, the suspension of activities will take effect from 8:00 p.m. All outdoor events organized by the Santa Cruz City Council have been postponed, and municipal outdoor facilities attracting public gatherings will remain closed.
These measures will be in place as long as the wind alert from the Government of the Canary Islands remains active. It is advised to comply with the specific recommendations for this type of risk, which include avoiding unnecessary trips and following the authorities’ instructions, in addition to staying updated through official channels and media outlets.
The City Council advises securing doors, windows, and awnings to prevent breakages and ensuring that any objects that could fall from windows, balconies, or rooftops are removed.
Moreover, homes should be inspected for any loose cornices, balconies, or facades that may pose a risk of falling debris.
WARNING FOR FOREST FIRE RISK
In addition to the wind alert, a forest fire risk warning has been issued by the Government of the Canary Islands through the General Directorate of Emergencies, effective from 3:00 p.m. this Tuesday.
This warning is triggered by the arrival of warm and dry continental African air, along with varying degrees of haze, leading to unusually high temperatures for this time of year.
A temperature inversion at altitudes below 400 meters is expected, with relative humidity dropping below 30%.
Temperatures will significantly rise, particularly between Wednesday and Thursday, with a potential increase of more than ten degrees in forested areas. Daytime temperatures exceeding 30-32 ºC are forecasted starting Thursday.
Furthermore, variable winds in direction and intensity are anticipated in mid-range and high areas during this episode, exacerbating the prevailing meteorological drought and rainfall deficiency, particularly in the southern and western parts of the islands.
The alert will commence in Gran Canaria at 3:00 p.m. this Tuesday before extending to the other islands, where it will take effect from 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
As always during weather alert situations, citizens are urged to act responsibly and minimise any unnecessary risks.
