Key Highlights
- Tenerife activates the Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) in response to Storm Claudia.
- Schools on Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma will close for the afternoon due to storm warnings.
- Emergency services including firefighters, Brifor forest teams, and Civil Protection will be reinforced.
- Rough seas killed three people and injured 15 on Saturday, prompting local councils to cordon off coastal areas.
Tenerife Activates Emergency Plan for Storm Claudia
Following the tragic deaths of three people in rough sea incidents last weekend, Tenerife has taken significant measures to brace for the arrival of Storm Claudia. The Cabildo president, Rosa Dávila, announced that the Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) is now active, with a heightened orange alert issued for flooding and adverse weather conditions.
The forecast predicts heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas across the western Canary Islands, including Tenerife. Access to Teide National Park and hiking trails has been restricted as a precautionary measure.
Additionally, schools on Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma will close for the afternoon, with children switching to remote teaching.
Emergency services, including firefighters, Brifor forest teams, and Civil Protection, have been reinforced in anticipation of the storm’s arrival. According to Dávila, “Extreme caution is needed. This is a very powerful storm that will have a major impact on our island, and we must follow the instructions of the authorities.” The decision to close schools was made after three people were killed and 15 injured in rough seas on Saturday (November 9). Local councils have been urged to cordon off coastal areas due to the risk of high waves and dangerous sea conditions.
Weather Warnings and Orange Alert
The Spanish state weather agency, AEMET, has upgraded its earlier warnings. Persistent rainfall is now expected, with locally heavy downpours alongside intense southwesterly gusts and rough seas, particularly in the western islands. La Palma is also under orange weather warnings for rain, as well as yellow warnings for storms and wind, with maximum southwesterly gusts of 50mph predicted.
La Gomera and El Hierro are both under yellow weather warnings for rain, wind, and storms.
The coastal areas of Tenerife’s Metropolitan Area are also under a yellow coastal warning, with Force 7 winds (31-38 mph) expected on the northern coast of Gran Canaria.
As part of the emergency plan, outdoor activities will be suspended from 3pm on Wednesday. The decisions follow AEMET’s upgrade of its earlier warnings and are aimed at ensuring public safety during the storm’s passage over Tenerife. Authorities have stressed that the measures are precautionary and designed to protect residents and visitors alike.
Aftermath of Tragedy
The recent beach tragedy, which claimed three lives and injured 15 others on Saturday, has prompted increased vigilance and preventive actions. Emergency services were quick to respond to multiple incidents. In the morning, six French tourists were swept into the water by a wave at Roque de Las Bodegas, resulting in injuries.
Later that day, the body of a deceased man was discovered at El Cabezo beach in Granadilla de Abona.
At 3pm, another incident occurred when a large wave hit the pier at Puerto de la Cruz, in northern Tenerife, sweeping 10 people – several of whom were cruise ship passengers – into the water. A 75-year-old Dutch woman was pronounced dead at the scene. At 4:42 pm, 112 received a new report that a man had fallen into the sea in Charco del Viento area, described as a local fisherman who was swept into the sea and later confirmed dead due to his injuries.
The tragic events have led to calls for improved safety measures at tourist attractions, with hotels and authorities urged to take more proactive steps to prevent similar incidents. The storm presents an additional challenge to the island’s preparedness efforts, with residents and visitors alike advised to follow official guidelines and stay informed about weather updates.
