In a shocking holiday incident, two terrified tourists have discovered a dead body on the popular Spanish island of Tenerife, following the chaos unleashed by Storm Therese. The severe weather event, described as the worst in more than a decade, has caused torrential rainfall, gale-force winds, and widespread flooding across the Canary Islands.
Discovery in Remote Area
Local authorities confirmed that the tourists found the man's body on Wednesday in a remote area of Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife. The tourists were walking along a track in El Draguillo, near Benijo, when they came across the body and immediately alerted emergency services.
Officers from the Santa Cruz Local Police were the first to arrive at the scene and declared that the man had died. Firefighters from the Tenerife Emergency Consortium and officers from the National Police were later deployed to the area. An investigation has been opened to establish the circumstances of the man's death, and his identity has not yet been made public.
Storm Therese's Impact
Tenerife, typically known for its consistently warm and sunny weather, has been experiencing an unusually volatile spell linked to Storm Therese. The storm brought torrential rain affecting some of the island's most populated areas for several days, leading to a rare red alert issued at 8.45pm on Tuesday.
The red alert covered hazardous conditions across the metropolitan area, Tacoronte, and the northern municipalities of La Orotava, Los Realejos, and Puerto de La Cruz. Heavy downpours created dangerous situations, with rivers bursting their banks and causing street-level flooding.
Widespread Damage and Rainfall
Local damage assessments indicate that the entire island has been hit by the storm, including mid-altitude areas such as San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Cuevas del Pinar. Weather stations recorded 66 and 56.6 litres of rain per square metre respectively last Tuesday, with more than 700 litres believed to have fallen across the island's peaks.
Images and videos shared on social media show northern and central Gran Canaria's mountainous terrain and homes being damaged by the storm, highlighting the extensive impact of the severe weather.
Safety Advice for Residents and Tourists
In response to the ongoing hazardous conditions, authorities have issued crucial safety advice for both residents and tourists on Tenerife:
- Avoid any unnecessary travel to prevent accidents and exposure to dangerous areas.
- Never attempt to cross floodwater, as it can be deeper and more powerful than it appears.
- Call emergency services immediately if you find yourself or someone else in danger.
- Secure doors and windows to prevent water from entering homes and accommodations.
- Reduce speed when driving through wet areas and do not attempt to pass through flooded roads.
This tragic discovery underscores the severe consequences of Storm Therese, which has disrupted the island's usual tranquility and posed significant risks to public safety. As investigations continue, the community remains on high alert, with emergency services working tirelessly to manage the aftermath of the devastating weather event.
