Gran Canaria is reeling from the impact of intense rainfall caused by DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), particularly affecting the municipality of Telde. The rains began on March 3, 2025, creating hazardous conditions as local barrancos overflowed, carrying vehicles and debris toward the sea.
According to local authorities, the heavy rainfall resulted in flooding across roads and properties, prompting urgent public safety messages. The Telde city council issued advisories urging residents to exercise maximum caution and to avoid unnecessary travel, especially near the overflowing barrancos. "Los barrancos llevan bastante agua y arrastran rastrojos y otros elementos. Evitar desplazamientos," stated the Ayuntamiento de Telde.
Firefighters from Tenerife have been actively responding to reported emergencies, pumping water from affected homes and businesses. They faced numerous incidents starting from early afternoon, focusing primarily on the household flooding resulting from blocked drainage systems. One official remarked, "Estamos en alerta por lluvias. Sigamos las indicaciones de los cuerpos de seguridad y emergencias, evitamos los desplazamientos," emphasizing the necessity for residents to heed official guidance.
The severity of the rainfall led to dramatic moments on the autopista GC-1, where a wall collapsed, flooding the roadway with thousands of liters of water, as captured by witnesses. A driver passing by shared the alarming scene: "Se reventó el muro," reflecting both the physical and emotional toll of the day's weather. The municipal response teams have advised people to steer clear of flooded areas, as many vehicles have been trapped or swept away, with some even reaching the ocean.
Although Telde has faced the brunt of the storm, the alert status has been extended across Gran Canaria to surrounding municipalities like Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Teror, Santa Brígida, and Valsequillo. The Dirección General de Emergencias reported, "Se están produciendo chubascos fuertes y localmente muy fuertes," indicating the potential threat to safety imposes serious risks if residents do not remain vigilant.
Emergency services have been stretched to their limits, leading to plans for shelter and support for residents affected by flooding. Authorities have set up response protocols, ensuring aid for those whose homes have suffered water damage. They have also urged those living near known flood zones to seek alternate accommodations until the weather stabilizes.
For those living inland or near high-risk weather areas, the forecast still indicates more rain to come. The island is bracing for continued showers, especially on the more vulnerable west and north sides, where storm runoff may complicate recovery efforts. Telde residents, having endured the initial impacts, are being closely monitored for any exacerbation of conditions. Authorities expect rain to ease somewhat but with continued risks throughout the coming days.
Throughout this event, Gran Canaria has showcased the community's resilience amid disaster. Local authorities reinforced the need for collective responsibility and preparedness, urging individuals to remain proactive during these unpredictable weather periods. The situation remains ever precarious, with the potential for additional rain forecasted.
Reflecting on these challenges, community leaders have recognized the need for improved infrastructure to withstand future meteorological events. "We must learn from this and prepare for more shifts brought by climate change," remarked one municipal figure, emphasizing the importance of long-term solutions alongside immediate responses.
The DANA's influence across the archipelago emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation and flexibly responding to nature's whims. Gran Canaria, renowned for its beauty, now fights to protect its residents and environment from this calamity brought by intense weather patterns fueled by atmospheric changes.
Going forward, the people of Gran Canaria must stay informed and ready, confronting their reality with unwavering determination and collaborative spirit. Local authorities, emergency services, and residents alike need to know when to respond, adapt, and preserve their quality of life as they face the unpredictable forces of nature.