Gran Canaria’s torrential rains have triggered severe flooding, leaving parts of the island in chaos.
The town of Telde, one of the hardest-hit areas, has seen streets turned into raging rivers, cars swept away, and multiple road closures. Authorities have issued warnings for residents and visitors to stay indoors as the situation remains dangerous.
The City Council of Telde has ordered the closure of several popular beaches, including La Garita, Hoya del Pozo, Playa del Hombre, El Barranquillo, Melenara, Salinetas, and Ojos de Garza.
María Caldería, the councillor for beaches, emphasized that the move is a precautionary measure to “guarantee the safeguarding of citizens.” Cleanup efforts are underway, but the extent of the damage means it will take time before these coastal areas are deemed safe again.
Meanwhile, the island’s infrastructure has taken a severe hit. The downpour—over 30 liters per square meter in just one hour—has overwhelmed drainage systems, turning roads and ravines into powerful torrents. Several vehicles were carried away by the current, with some even ending up in the sea near Salinetas Beach. Authorities had to rescue multiple stranded drivers, including one woman who was trapped in her car and nearly swept away before a neighbor intervened.
Social media has been flooded with dramatic footage showing the force of the water. Some videos depict entire streets disappearing under the deluge, while others show debris, mud, and waves of floodwater crashing through neighborhoods. The landscape has been visibly altered, with mud and debris pouring into the sea, turning parts of the coastline a murky brown.
Elsewhere on the Canary Islands, heavy rain has also caused damage in Arucas, Tenerife, and La Laguna. The Tenerife Island Council has shut down roads leading to the Teide National Park due to icy conditions and the forecast of snow. Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued a special warning, stating that the storm system could persist in parts of the islands until Wednesday.
With more extreme weather expected, tourists in the Canary Islands are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are working to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
