Marking Two Decades Since the Impact of Storm Delta in the Canary Islands

November 27, 2005, marked the beginning of a tumultuous chapter for the Canary Islands as Tropical Storm Delta approached, igniting widespread anxiety among the local population. The storm’s unpredictable trajectory and escalating intensity would soon transform the islands, leaving a lasting imprint on the community.

Life Before the Tempest

The morning of November 28 dawned with an air of normalcy across the Canary Islands. Residents, particularly pensioners who had recently received their monthly pensions, engaged in their weekend routines, shopping for seasonal goods and enjoying the calm before the storm. Little did they know that their day would soon take a dramatic turn.

Warnings and Urgent Measures

As the day progressed, meteorologists began to issue urgent warnings through various media channels, alerting the public to the impending threat posed by Tropical Storm Delta. The forecasts indicated that the storm’s tail would soon impact the archipelago. Despite these warnings, many residents continued with their daily activities until the situation escalated. By midday, the government, led by José Miguel Ruano from the Ministry of Security and Emergency, announced the suspension of school activities starting at 14:00. This decision led to a flurry of activity as parents rushed to pick up their children, expressing frustration over the timing of the alerts and the chaos that ensued.

The Storm’s Fury Unleashed

By 17:00, the atmosphere shifted dramatically as the sky morphed into ominous shades of grey and orange, signaling the storm’s arrival. A warm wind swept through Santa Cruz, catching residents off guard. As evening approached, the winds intensified, displacing rubbish containers and creating a palpable sense of unease among the populace. Reports of containers rolling down streets added to the growing alarm.

Winds Intensify, Tension Rises

As businesses hastily closed their doors, residents sought refuge indoors, bracing for the worst. By 20:00, wind speeds had reached alarming levels, with a large crane near the Casa Sindical swaying precariously in the gusts. Observers noted glass panes being dislodged from buildings, while the sounds of police and fire sirens echoed through the streets as warnings about flying debris were broadcasted, heightening the sense of urgency.

Emerging Hazards

The motorway leading out of Santa Cruz quickly became hazardous, with uprooted signs and fallen trees posing significant risks to drivers. Reports of obstructed roads and damaged vehicles began to surface, as debris littered major thoroughfares such as Avenida de Anaga and Las Ramblas. The situation was dire, and the community was on high alert as the storm continued to wreak havoc.

Power Outages and Escalating Damage

As the storm raged on through the night, widespread power outages became a grim reality. Many newspapers were forced to halt publication due to the lack of electricity, and the journalist from RNE in the Canary Islands reported significant damage, including the collapse of the iconic ‘Dedo de Dios’ rock formation in Agaete. In Santa Cruz, construction materials were seen flying through the air, underscoring the storm’s ferocity and the danger it posed to residents.

Record-Breaking Wind Speeds

According to the National Meteorological Institute, wind speeds reached an astonishing 248 km/h in Izaña at 20:31 UTC, while La Palma recorded gusts of 152 km/h. Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna experienced winds up to 147 km/h, marking Storm Delta as one of the most severe weather events in the region’s history. The sheer force of the winds contributed to the extensive damage and chaos that unfolded.

Aftermath and Recovery Efforts

By 04:00, the worst of the storm had passed, but the devastation was starkly evident. Streets were littered with uprooted trees, debris, and damaged structures. An urgent press conference revealed that a resident of Fuerteventura had tragically lost their life while attempting to secure items on a rooftop. Reports focused primarily on the extensive material damage, highlighting the storm’s catastrophic impact on the islands.

Historic Power Failures

The storm caused a historic blackout, plunging over half of Tenerife into darkness after 44 electricity towers and 150 poles collapsed. This left nearly 400,000 residents without power, leading to widespread frustration and protests across the island as people demanded accountability and swift recovery efforts.

Five Days of Darkness

In the aftermath of Storm Delta, the island faced a prolonged struggle with power outages, as recovery efforts began to address the extensive damage. The community rallied together, but the road to recovery was long and fraught with challenges, as residents worked to rebuild their lives in the wake of the storm’s devastation.

Key points

• Tropical Storm Delta approached the Canary Islands on November 27, 2005.
• Warnings were issued by meteorologists, leading to the suspension of school activities.
• Winds reached speeds of 248 km/h, causing significant destruction.
• Over 400,000 residents experienced power outages due to downed electricity infrastructure.
• The storm resulted in one fatality and extensive material damage across the islands.