Canary Islands Streets Turned to Rivers After Torrential Rainfall

The Canary Islands have been severely impacted by relentless torrential rainfall, causing massive flooding that has transformed streets into rivers.

The extreme weather conditions have left devastation in their wake, submerging cars, closing beaches, and forcing the closure of Gran Canaria’s main airport. Authorities continue to work tirelessly to mitigate the damage and ensure the safety of residents and tourists.

Gran Canaria Airport Closure and Flooding Impact

The impact of the heavy rainfall has been particularly severe on Gran Canaria, where entire neighborhoods have been engulfed by floodwaters. Cars have been swept away, reservoirs have overflowed, and thick sludge has covered residential areas.

One of the most significant consequences of the storm has been the forced closure of Gran Canaria Airport, rendering it inoperative. Airport operator AENA (Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegación Aérea) confirmed the closure and announced that efforts are underway to restore operations as soon as possible.

The airport’s closure has disrupted travel plans for thousands of tourists and locals, as all flights have been canceled due to the unsafe conditions.

The chaos at the airport has added to the challenges faced by authorities, who are working around the clock to clear debris and restore normalcy. The flooding has also led to road closures, making transportation in and out of the affected areas nearly impossible.

In addition to the airport’s shutdown, seven popular beaches in Telde, Gran Canaria, have been closed due to the hazardous conditions. Authorities reported that a car was even swept out to sea in the severe flooding, highlighting the dangers posed by the extreme weather.

Severe floods have struck Spain's Canary Islands, particularly Gran Canaria, leading to significant disruptions. Authorities have issued red alerts, and tourists are advised to stay indoors. pic.twitter.com/yYoeMAmUOl

— MR FRIMPONG 👑 (@mr_frimpong22) March 4, 2025

Residents and visitors have been urged to remain indoors and avoid traveling to high-risk areas, particularly near ravines where flash floods are a serious concern.

Trapped Residents and Emergency Response

The torrential rainfall has not only caused structural damage but has also led to dangerous situations for those living in affected areas. In Tenerife, at least 80 people were trapped inside a supermarket as rising floodwaters made it impossible to exit the building. Local emergency teams worked diligently to rescue those stranded, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

In the town of Telde, Mayor Juan Antonio Peña personally participated in rescue efforts, working alongside emergency teams to clear floodwaters and ensure public safety. The mayor expressed his gratitude for the resilience and cooperation of the local community, urging everyone to remain vigilant as the storms continue.

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“Thank you for so much understanding, help, and support,” he stated. “I am proud to be from Telde. Let us continue to show that we are prudent. This Tuesday we will remain on alert. Let us avoid traveling and parking in areas close to the ravines.”

The floods have left entire neighborhoods submerged, and the cleanup efforts have been overwhelming. Residents have been forced to remove thick layers of mud and debris from their homes and streets. The destruction caused by the storm has been extensive, with reports of property damage, electrical outages, and infrastructure being severely affected.

The bursting of a reservoir containing 700,000 liters of irrigation water further compounded the situation, leading to additional road closures in Telde.

The sheer volume of water released from the reservoir added to the already devastating flood levels, making it even more challenging for emergency services to control the situation. The authorities have warned that the conditions could worsen, urging people to remain indoors and exercise extreme caution.

Ongoing Weather Warnings and Future Concerns

Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued a special weather warning, indicating that heavy rains are expected to persist until Wednesday.

The Canary Islands, particularly Gran Canaria and Tenerife, remain on high alert as the storms continue to bring torrential downpours. The authorities have stressed the importance of avoiding travel and taking necessary precautions to ensure safety.

The recent flooding in the Canary Islands is part of a broader trend of extreme weather events affecting Spain. The country has experienced an increase in severe storms and flooding in recent years, with many attributing the phenomenon to climate change.

Just months ago, Spain witnessed a deadly flood in Valencia that claimed the lives of 217 people and displaced thousands. The frequency and intensity of these events have raised concerns about the country’s ability to cope with the escalating impacts of climate change.

An AEMET spokesperson highlighted the risks posed by the ongoing storms, warning that additional rainfall could lead to further devastation.

“The largest accumulations are expected in the interior of Malaga, as well as in the Valencian Community and south of Tarragona, where rainfall may be locally strong, or very strong, and persistent, with accumulations exceeding 100 mm in 12 hours. Also, strong or very strong showers are expected in western Andalusia, locally accompanied by storms and frequent hail.”

With climate patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, experts are calling for enhanced preparedness and infrastructure improvements to better handle such extreme weather events. The need for more effective drainage systems, early warning mechanisms, and better urban planning has become evident in light of the ongoing crises.

In the meantime, authorities and emergency teams in the Canary Islands continue their efforts to restore normalcy. Efforts are focused on clearing floodwaters, reopening roads, and assessing the extent of the damage. While the storm has subsided in some areas, the threat of additional heavy rainfall remains, keeping residents and emergency services on high alert.

The flooding in the Canary Islands serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions.

As the islands recover from this devastating event, the resilience of the people and the swift response of emergency services will be crucial in ensuring a swift and effective recovery process. However, with more storms forecasted, the battle against the elements is far from over.