Tourist drowns and 130 people evacuated as Tenerife is hit by freak storms and 15-foot waves
- The 53-year-old Czech tourist fell into rough seas near the northern resort of Puerto de la Cruz and drowned despite efforts to save him
A tourist was killed and at least 130 people had to be evacuated as fierce storms hit Tenerife.
The island is cleaning up today after coastal areas saw waves of more than 5 meters high crashing against sea walls, carrying water into homes and businesses.
The deceased person, a 53-year-old Czech tourist, fell into rough seas near the northern resort of Puerto de la Cruz and drowned despite efforts to save him.
It is believed he was taking pictures of the dramatic surf in the natural pools at the edge of the sea when he was swept away.
Shocked witnesses saw his body in the water and called emergency services.
A tourist was killed and at least 130 people had to be evacuated as fierce storms hit Tenerife. Pictured: Workers clearing up after the storm battered the Canary Island coast
The island is cleaning up today after coastal areas saw waves of more than 5.5 meters crashing against sea walls, carrying water into homes and businesses
The deceased person, a 53-year-old Czech tourist, fell into rough seas near the northern resort of Puerto de la Cruz and drowned despite efforts to save him. Pictured: People watch high waves at Candelaria, Tenerife on Wednesday
He was eventually picked up by a helicopter and brought back to land, but could not be revived.
The Canary Islands Government’s Directorate General of Emergency Situations has issued a statement calling on the public to take extreme precautions, especially near the sea, although the official alarm over the freak waves was lifted this morning.
Officials in Tenerife said people were evacuated from around 60 homes on Wednesday, adding that waves reached around 5 meters in several areas.
Yesterday’s storm caused damage to vehicles, boats and more than fifteen homes in the east of the island.
Ironically, with a change in the weather today, Tenerife will ‘roast like an oven’ as temperatures soar into the mid-30s.
The Canary Islands were already alert to high temperatures, the presence of mist, wind gusts of 90 kilometers per hour and forest fires.
However, the very strong waves took the residents of Tenerife by surprise, flooding houses and streets. Many said they “haven’t remembered anything like this in years.”
Weather experts say the combination of the strong winds, along with the spring tides caused by the full moon, caused the sea to wash over beaches, promenades and roads close to the coastline.
Workers assess damage to a coastal area in Tenerife
Officials in Tenerife said people were evacuated from around 60 homes on Wednesday, adding that waves reached around 16 feet in several areas
Tourists pose for photos on Wednesday as high waves break on the coast of La Palma, Gran Canaria, Spain
The worst affected areas in Tenerife were El Rosario, Candelaria, Arafo, Güímar and Arico, all along the east coast.
The most popular holiday resorts in southern Tenerife escaped damage.
Weather agency Aemet says Tenerife’s capital Santa Cruz in the north will record the highest temperature in Spain at around 33 degrees.
Four people from different countries died last month after falling into the sea during bad weather in mainland Spain.