SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE 3 APR. (Press Europa) –
The Emergency Coordination Centre of the Cabildo de Tenerife has recorded over 100 incidents reported across the island of Tenerife due to the effects of Borrasca ‘Nuria’, which has kept the island on maximum alert for winds since the early hours of Thursday, as stated by the island president of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, during a press conference.
She noted that the highest number of incidents were documented between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., in alignment with forecasts. This period observed a spike in incidents within the metropolitan area, particularly in the municipality of La Laguna and Anaga Rural Park.
In an overview of the impacts caused, specific power outages were reported in various regions of the island, particularly in northern towns, alongside fallen trees and other barriers obstructing roadways. The status of paths and forest tracks continues to be assessed to ensure safety prior to their reopening.
According to the Cabildo, the only reported injury involved a 72-year-old individual who sustained a minor injury from falling debris on Luis Lavaggi Street in Puerto de la Cruz.
Reduction in Wind Intensity
As indicated by Rosa Dávila, the island has experienced southeast winds ranging from 70 to 80 kilometres per hour, with gusts exceeding 150 kilometres per hour in Teide National Park. However, it is now observed that the wind intensity is “decreasing” across all areas of the island.
“In fact, we are no longer under alert for rainfall,” Dávila stated, noting that significant rainfall has been recorded in certain regions of the island, particularly in the southern areas and on the Low Island, with 88 litres collected at Cruz de Tea in Granadilla and 60 litres in Vilaflor.
She also mentioned the closures and evacuations that occurred at beaches, such as NEA, Bolullo, and Teresitas, among others, as a result of anticipated coastal phenomena.
“The forecasts for the coming hours predict a reduction in the situation, and we hope, as outlined by the Government of the Canary Islands, that by approximately 10 o’clock tonight we will likely lift the maximum alert we are currently under,” Rosa Dávila added.
Regarding the resumption of face-to-face classes this Friday, Rosa Dávila stated that the Ministry of Education would provide information this evening at 8:00 p.m., once the Emergency Department of the Canarian Government issues a report on the conclusion of the maximum alert.
“Firstly, it is important to highlight that, due to the strong winds, a prudent decision was made to suspend educational activities throughout the island of Tenerife, along with a recommendation for people to work remotely wherever possible,” remarked the island president.
Details of the Incident
The Minister of Natural Resources, Blanca Pérez, clarified that most incidents in the morning occurred in the South, where “significant” winds and rainfall were reported, with fewer incidents on the Low Island, from Teno to the harbour of La Cruz.
From 2:00 p.m., incidents began surfacing in the metropolitan area, primarily in La Laguna and Anaga Rural Park, where road closures and other issues arose in certain parts of the park.
“The effectiveness of the response has significantly reduced many of the risks present,” said Pérez, emphasising that although the impact on the island’s metropolitan area was less severe than anticipated, the rest of the island faced “intense winds,” particularly in the midlands, resulting in many incidents in localities such as Icod, Garachico, and Buenavista into the afternoon.
She recalled the disruptions at airfields, particularly in La Palma and Tenerife Norte, where cancellations and delays have occurred today, while noting that public transport on the island has operated with “a degree of normality,” except in areas where road closures have taken place due to the storm’s aftermath.
