Gran Canaria airport shuts as devastating floods disrupt the island
Heavy rains and flooding continue to cause significant damage across the Canary Islands, with the airport shut down and roads submerged
Gran Canaria’s airport has been shut down following severe flooding, just one day after cars were swept down ravines and into the sea. The Spanish island’s infrastructure has been badly impacted, particularly around the town of Telde, although thankfully, no injuries have been reported.On Monday March 3, passersby rushed to help a woman whose car was being dragged away by fast-moving water in an overflowing stream in Gran Canaria. Just moments earlier, another vehicle had been battered against the banks and bridge before being swept away entirely. The heavy rains returned on Tuesday, leading to the closure of the island’s airport, located 10km south of the affected area. Airport operator AENA confirmed that the airport was out of action due to water accumulation on the runways and that efforts were underway to reopen it as soon as possible.
Telde, on the east coast of the island, bore the brunt of the flooding. The local authorities have closed the beach and issued a warning against travel due to the dangers of the ongoing conditions. Cars have even been spotted floating in the sea. While no injuries have been reported, authorities have urged the public to remain cautious. Some roads are still submerged in mud, leaving residents to clear debris with brooms and shovels. Mayor Juan Antonio Peña has called for maximum caution, stating, “These are not easy times for the city of Telde. Many roads are flooded or muddy. Let’s stay at home and be cautious.”
Although the rain stopped by last night, further downpours are expected throughout the week. Rain alerts are still in place for the Canary Islands, including Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, where up to 15mm of rain per hour is forecast. Meanwhile, on the mainland, regions like Valencia and Alicante have also received warnings, with up to 100mm of rain predicted in 12 hours.
The recent flooding serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather events. The previous floods last year in Valencia, which killed 224 people, have left a lasting impact on many lived. British man Jerome Torres, who experienced the devastating floods in Valencia, recalled the horrors: “The water was reaching horrendous levels… we could hear neighbours trapped in their ground floor houses. It was impossible to go outside because of the strength of the water. We could hear people shouting, being taken by this urban river in our streets.”
Image: @controladores/X
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