The Cabildo updates the PEIN to Emergency Level 1 due to the consequences of the release of water from the dams that fill up due to the rains brought by 'Therese'
Antonio Morales: “I ask the public not to go out to visit the mountain peaks or the dams today and tomorrow, because the danger is very serious.”
The operation, made up of 1.200 professionals, is working on the multiple road closures and other incidents caused by the rain and wind
The president of the Gran Canaria Island Council reiterated his call on Saturday for the public to avoid climbing to the summit and other high areas of the island due to the numerous landslides, large rockfalls, branches, trees and strong runoff caused by the rainfall and winds associated with the high-impact storm 'Therese'.
“During the night and early hours of Saturday, there have been rainfall and strong winds, mainly in the mountains, southeast and southwest of Gran Canaria, and landslides continue to occur and sections of road have collapsed,” commented the island president this morning, citing the case of Aríñez.
The Island Council also points out the importance of social responsibility in not interfering with the work of emergency teams. It also emphasizes the importance of avoiding ravines.
“The ravines are still flowing and water is reaching the reservoirs, and I reiterate the need for caution. I urge everyone not to even consider visiting the summit or the reservoirs today or tomorrow, because the danger is very serious. Do not plan any hiking or walking along the various routes inland on Gran Canaria, and do not travel by road unless absolutely necessary. The intensity appears to be decreasing on Sunday, but we will keep you informed,” Morales added.
Water runoff is currently affecting multiple points across the island, and the Island Council, in coordination with the municipalities, other administrations, and security and emergency services, is maintaining its deployment under the alert phase of the Island Civil Protection Plan (PEIN). For example, coordinated efforts are underway to address water-related incidents in La Angostura.
The operation, made up of more than 1.200 professionals, including officers from the local police, civil guard, civil protection, firefighters, Cecopin, PEIN or Cecoes, is currently working to restore as much normality as possible to the island's road network after the closures that occurred in Aríñez, Ayacata, the road between Artenara and La Aldea de San Nicolás, La Crucita, El Carrizal de Tejeda, the access roads to Tirma and Andén Verde, or on the GC-210, closed by the drainage of the El Parralillo dam.
Regarding the dams, the Island Water Council (CIA) of the Cabildo reports that El Vaquero and Candelaria are full, as are those of Siberio, Parralillo and Caideros, or the Lugarejos dam of the North irrigation community.
Regarding Sunday, there is a possibility of an improvement in the weather situation, although Antonio Morales specified that the scenario can change at any moment, which is why the monitoring committee activated for the storm will continue to pay attention to updates on the evolution of the storm.
Closure of outdoor facilities and care in waterways
The Island Council is maintaining the closure of its facilities and outdoor activities, as well as its interpretation centers. Furthermore, the Gran Canaria Island Council's Water Authority (CIA) has emphasized the need for the entire population to adhere to basic general prevention measures to avoid material and personal damage.
This involves prohibiting parking in public waterways and walking through them during heavy rains; removing stockpiles of materials and installations from public waterways that could be swept away in the event of floods; and, in general, adopting the necessary preventive measures to avoid, during the risk period, the use of waterways and activities and actions that may obstruct the flow of water.
Similarly, the Cabildo emphasizes that there will also be rough seas, with waves up to four and five meters high, so it advises the population not to expose themselves to risks on the coast.
