Tenerife Council Activates Emergency Measures Amid Storm Claudia

The Tenerife Council has taken decisive action by initiating the Insular Emergency Plan (PEIN) in response to the severe weather conditions brought on by Storm Claudia. This storm has resulted in a series of minor incidents across the island, primarily attributed to the strong winds that have been affecting various regions.

Mobilization of Emergency Personnel

In a robust response to the unfolding situation, a total of 454 personnel have been deployed to bolster emergency response efforts across Tenerife. This significant mobilization includes a diverse range of professionals such as firefighters, forest agents, civil protection members, and dedicated volunteers from the Red Cross. Their collective aim is to manage the impact of the storm effectively and ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.

Impact of Storm Claudia: Key Incidents

As Storm Claudia continues to wreak havoc, several notable incidents have been reported across the island:

• In Granadilla, wind gusts reached an alarming 55 kilometres per hour, resulting in the collapse of lightweight structures.
• A road closure was enforced on Tierra del Trigo in Los Silos due to unsafe conditions.
• For safety reasons, the seafront at Radazul has been closed to the public.
• Evacuations were carried out at the Chipeque viewpoint, highlighting the storm’s potential danger.

In light of these incidents, emergency shelters have been established in the municipalities of Arona and Adeje, providing refuge for those affected by the adverse weather conditions. These shelters are equipped to support individuals and families seeking safety from the storm.

Weather Warnings and Forecasts

As of 8:00 PM, reports indicated that the majority of incidents were concentrated in the mountainous and southern regions of Tenerife. Wind speeds have surged to an alarming 96 kilometres per hour in Izaña, with rainfall accumulating to approximately 15 litres per square metre. Council President Rosa Dávila has expressed that while the current incidents are manageable, she has cautioned that the situation may deteriorate overnight. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and to remain vigilant as conditions evolve.

Enhancements to Operational Readiness

In a proactive measure, the council has significantly increased the number of personnel involved in the emergency response, tripling the initial count from 150 to 454. This operational team comprises:

• 118 firefighters dedicated to tackling fires and assisting in rescue operations.
• 62 forest agents and BRIFOR technicians trained to manage forest-related emergencies.
• 50 workers from the Highways department focused on maintaining road safety.
• 130 Civil Protection personnel ready to assist in various emergency situations.
• 68 Red Cross members providing medical and logistical support.
• 13 professionals from CECOPIN, the emergency coordination center.

CECOPIN maintains direct communication with all 31 municipalities on the island, ensuring prompt responses to incidents as they arise.

Preventive Measures for Public Safety

In accordance with the Territorial Insular Plan, several preventive measures have been implemented to safeguard the public:

• All outdoor activities and in-person classes have been suspended, with a transition to remote learning for students.
• Teleworking has been recommended for council and administrative staff to minimize travel.
• Trails, forest tracks, campsites, and recreational areas, including those in Teide National Park and the Rural Parks of Anaga and Teno, have been closed to the public.
• High-risk activities, such as canyoning, are prohibited during this period of severe weather.

Officials have emphasized the importance of self-protection, advising the public to secure loose objects around their homes, avoid coastal areas and ravines, and stay informed through official channels regarding the evolving situation.

Ongoing Monitoring and Coordination Efforts

The Spanish meteorological agency AEMET has indicated that Storm Claudia is expected to persist overnight, bringing continued rainfall and strong winds, particularly in the midlands and higher elevations of the island. The council has committed to keeping CECOPIN operational throughout the night, coordinating closely with the Canary Government and local municipalities to manage the emergency effectively and ensure the safety of all residents.

Key points

• The Tenerife Council has activated the Insular Emergency Plan (PEIN) due to Storm Claudia.
• A total of 454 personnel have been mobilized for emergency response efforts across the island.
• Wind speeds have reached up to 96 kilometres per hour in certain areas, posing significant risks.
• Emergency shelters have been established in Arona and Adeje to assist those affected by the storm.
• Preventive measures include the suspension of outdoor activities and a shift to remote learning for students.
• Officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm to ensure their safety.