Tenerife Escalates Emergency Response to Level 2 as Storm Therese Hits
Tenerife has escalated its emergency response to level 2 as Storm Therese brings heavy rainfall and an increased risk of flash floods and landslides across the island.
Tenerife has officially escalated its emergency response to level 2 following the impact of Storm Therese. The Island Council announced that the Canary Islands government has taken over command of the situation, a move that allows for the deployment of state resources, including the Military Emergencies Unit (UME), should weather conditions deteriorate further.
Island President Rosa Dávila confirmed the escalation, noting that authorities are concerned about saturated ground and ongoing heavy rainfall. Under Spanish civil protection laws, moving to level 2 allows for additional support when local resources are stretched thin. The current strategy prioritizes preventing flash floods and landslides, which are common risks in Tenerife’s rugged terrain during torrential storms.
Emergency operations are being coordinated from the CECOPIN center at the Santiago Martín pavilion, where teams are monitoring the situation in real time. Officials are particularly focused on the north of the island, specifically the Orotava Valley, Puerto de la Cruz, and the coastline of Tacoronte. Areas such as El Pris and Mesa del Mar are considered especially vulnerable due to their geography, leading authorities to send emergency alerts directly to residents' mobile phones.
The public is strongly advised to avoid all unnecessary travel. Officials warn that the combination of heavy rain and unstable ground can create life-threatening conditions very quickly. While emergency crews, security forces, and road maintenance teams are on the ground, the shift to level 2 signals a state of maximum alert to ensure the island is prepared for any further developments in the coming hours.