Extreme storms like Hermine in the south of Gran Canaria and the DANA in Valencia challenge all limits

Tropical Storm Hermine, which hit the Canary Islands on September 24, 2022, left a historic mark on the archipelago due to rainfall, according to data from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), 102,4 liters per square meter were accumulated in El Matorral, 94,8 in Tunte and 58,2 in Playa del Inglés. This This phenomenon activated for the first time the seven Island Emergency Plans (PEIN) and fifty-six Municipal Emergency Plans (PEMU), reflecting the magnitude of the consequences. Heavy rains caused road closures, rock slides, fallen trees and occasional flooding, as well as flight cancellations, which paralyzed several areas of the archipelago during those days.

 

 

At the southeast of Gran Canaria, on March 23, 2024, (watch video), an Isolated Depression at High Levels (DANA) triggered another alert situation. Accumulated rainfall reached nearly 40 litres per square metre in the midlands and urban areas, causing vehicles to be swept away in the Pozo Izquierdo ravine and serious flooding in areas such as San Agustín beach. In some areas, the currents exceeded the forecasts, affecting both urban and rural infrastructure. In addition, landslides and hail were recorded, which kept rescue and road maintenance services in a state of emergency.

 

 

For its part, the recent DANA of October 29, 2024 in the Valencian Community The storm presented a devastating picture, with rainfall exceeding 300 liters per square meter in just a few hours. The intense rains caused bridges to collapse and several sections of the river to overflow, causing massive flooding in residential and agricultural areas. The impact of this storm left a trail of damage to essential infrastructure, affecting both the mobility and safety of residents.

 

 

These meteorological phenomena highlight the impact of climate change in the Canary Islands and other vulnerable areas. If the archipelago were to experience rainfall of up to 500 liters per square meter, the result could be a catastrophe, with irreparable damage to infrastructure and putting the lives of citizens at risk.