Santa Cruz de Tenerife Launches Emergency Plan to Mitigate Flood Risks

Managing flood risks has become a top priority for city officials, especially following recent heavy rainfall across Spain. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has launched an emergency plan to clear local water channels and ravines, aiming to better protect the capital from flash floods.

Led by Carlos Tarife and the Public Services department, this project goes beyond standard maintenance. While crews usually focus on basic debris removal and trimming perimeter plants, this initiative involves a deep clean of the riverbeds. By systematically removing reeds and light vegetation from within the channels, the city hopes to improve drainage and prevent the blockages that often cause flooding.

The work is divided into two phases. The first, which began in October, has already covered 16 high-risk areas, including the Tahodio, Valleseco, and Bufadero ravines, as well as the El Hierro and Molina channels. The second phase, starting November 3rd, will focus on the Santos ravine—a major waterway running through the Centro-Ifara and Salud-La Salle districts—before moving on to Barranco Grande, Taganana, and other areas.

To get the job done, the City Council has scheduled 46 extra workdays through the end of the year, with another 90 days planned for 2027. Crews are currently working Monday through Saturday, focusing their efforts in the afternoons to maximize efficiency. Beyond improving flood safety, the project also aims to clear out illegal dumping, which frequently threatens the health and safety of these natural urban spaces.