Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife – A harrowing scene unfolded last night as a British tourist was forced to climb onto the roof of a minibus trapped in rapidly rising floodwaters, desperately calling for assist. The incident, captured on video, underscores the escalating crisis gripping the Canary Islands as Storm Therese continues to unleash torrential rain and widespread disruption. The dramatic rescue, which took place around 9 p.m. Local time, highlights the immediate danger faced by residents and tourists alike as the storm batters the archipelago.
Footage shows the woman perched precariously on top of the submerged vehicle in a dark, water-filled underpass, the force of the current visibly strong. She can be heard shouting, “Can someone get us help!” as another British national urges her to remain still. An Italian bystander attempts to reassure her, stating that police are on their way. Five British tourists were aboard the minibus when it became overwhelmed by the flash floods, a common occurrence during intense rainfall events in the region.
The driver of the minibus managed to assist three of the passengers to safety before the situation deteriorated, leaving two women stranded on the vehicle’s roof. One of the women, surrounded by luggage, appeared to be en route to or from the airport. Visibly distressed, she was seen breaking down in tears and using a vaping device while awaiting rescue, a detail that speaks to the prolonged anxiety of the situation. Firefighters ultimately reached the stranded women by deploying a ladder from a nearby bridge, successfully bringing them to safety.
The incident occurred in an area known locally as “El Pulpo” – or “The Octopus” – close to the renowned Botanical Gardens of Puerto de la Cruz. Coincidentally, a rare emergency alert was simultaneously broadcast across the island, warning residents of the imminent threat of flooding. This synchronized timing underscores the severity and widespread nature of the storm’s impact.
Storm Therese’s Widespread Impact on the Canary Islands
The rescue operation is just one element of a broader crisis unfolding across the Canary Islands. Storm Therese, which began impacting the region last week, has caused significant damage, including overflowing dams, collapsed roads, and widespread evacuations. According to The Guardian, authorities have dealt with nearly 2,000 weather-related incidents since the storm’s arrival. Tenerife has become the epicenter of the crisis, prompting a red weather alert – indicating “extraordinary danger” – for the island’s north, including Puerto de la Cruz.
Flights to and from the islands have been significantly disrupted, with numerous cancellations and diversions reported. Thousands of residents and tourists have been evacuated from vulnerable areas, and many more remain stranded. Footage circulating on social media shows streets transformed into rivers, with vehicles – including motorbikes – completely submerged. One video, captured by a local resident, depicts a stunned observer remarking, “My God, the motorbikes. You can’t see them,” as a wheelie bin floats past in the floodwater.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Risks
Authorities are urging residents and tourists to remain indoors, avoid all non-essential travel, and never attempt to cross floodwaters. The situation remains highly volatile, with officials warning that further chaos is expected as Storm Therese shows no signs of abating. Up to 60mm of rain is forecast to fall within a single hour, accompanied by violent winds and near-zero visibility, exacerbating the already challenging conditions.
The emergency response has been extensive, with firefighters, police, and civil protection teams working around the clock to assist those affected. However, the scale of the disaster is straining resources, and access to some areas remains limited due to damaged infrastructure. The local government has established emergency shelters for those displaced by the flooding and is providing assistance to those in need.
The current situation echoes concerns raised by climate scientists regarding the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The Canary Islands, while typically enjoying a mild climate, are becoming increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including more frequent and severe storms and prolonged droughts. This event underscores the urgent need for increased investment in infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness.
As of this afternoon, the red weather alert remains in effect for northern Tenerife. Authorities are closely monitoring the storm’s trajectory and are preparing for further rainfall and potential flooding. Updates on the situation can be found on the official website of the Canary Islands Civil Protection and Emergencies Agency. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and tourists and mitigating the ongoing impacts of Storm Therese.
The immediate priority is continued rescue efforts and providing support to those affected by the flooding. Looking ahead, the focus will shift to assessing the full extent of the damage and beginning the long process of recovery and rebuilding. The Canary Islands are a popular tourist destination, and the disruption caused by Storm Therese will undoubtedly have a significant economic impact. The long-term consequences of the storm remain to be seen, but the islands face a challenging period ahead.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the flooding in the Canary Islands, resources are available to provide support. The Spanish Red Cross is offering assistance to those in need. You can uncover more information and contact details on their website: https://www.cruzroja.es/.
This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
