Panic surged as the minibus plunged into the rising floodwaters. Five British tourists scrambled onto the roof, their voices desperate against the howling wind – a single plea cutting through the storm: “Can someone get us help?” The scene unfolded on Gran Canaria, an island gripped by a relentless deluge.
Storm Therese, already being called the “storm of the century” by locals, unleashed its fury. Dams buckled and burst, sending torrents of water cascading through towns and villages. Roads crumbled, isolating communities and turning familiar landscapes into treacherous waterways.
Firefighters raced against time to rescue two passengers stranded atop the minibus, a harrowing operation amidst the chaos. Across Gran Canaria, more than 3,000 people found themselves evacuated or stranded, seeking refuge in temporary shelters set up within school buildings.
A rare red emergency weather alert signaled the severity of the situation. Flights from major UK cities – London, Manchester, and Newcastle – were diverted as winds reached a terrifying 73 mph. The storm’s power wasn’t just in the wind; it was in the sheer volume of water.
The hamlet of Arteara faced complete isolation, nestled at the base of the Fataga ravine. Its lifeline – the gorge crossing – threatened to disappear under the relentless rise of the floodwaters, cutting off all access to the outside world. Residents were urged to prepare for the worst.
Even within hotels, safety wasn’t guaranteed. Reports surfaced of a hotel roof collapsing, forcing guests to seek shelter indoors as the storm raged on. Lanzarote, bracing for the storm’s continued impact, urged residents to stockpile essential supplies, anticipating further deterioration of conditions.
The scale of the disaster was immense, a stark reminder of nature’s raw power. Emergency services, bolstered by the Military Emergency Unit, worked tirelessly to reach those in need, battling against the elements to provide aid and reassurance in a landscape transformed by the storm.
The Canary Islands, usually a haven of sunshine and tranquility, were now facing an unprecedented crisis. The storm’s legacy would be etched in the collapsed roads, the flooded towns, and the memories of those who faced its terrifying force.
