Storm Therese Leaves Tenerife Animal Shelter in Critical Condition

Storm Therese has exposed the fragile state of animal shelters in Tenerife, leaving the Ravelo facility—managed by the Association for the Defense and Protection of Animals in the Canary Islands (ADEPAC)—in a critical condition. Heavy rain and hail in El Sauzal caused severe structural damage, putting the safety of nearly 300 animals at risk.

ADEPAC blames the collapse on a lack of long-term investment, specifically criticizing the Cabildo of Tenerife for failing to deliver on promised renovations. To make matters worse, a power failure has forced the shelter to rely on generators. With the area experiencing persistent dampness and cold, the animals—many of whom had to be moved due to flooding—are now at an increased risk of respiratory and joint health issues.

The storm caused widespread instability across the north of the island, leaving over 2,500 homes in El Sauzal, Tacoronte, Santa Úrsula, and La Matanza without power. Repair crews have struggled to reach damaged parts of the electrical grid due to landslides and unstable roads.

Private property has also been hit hard; for example, a lightning strike in El Sauzal destroyed the electronic systems of a local home. Given the scale of the damage, ADEPAC is now calling for public and corporate support. They are seeking both financial donations and supplies to help repair the shelter, which directors say was not equipped to handle a storm of this intensity.