British Tourists Rescued from Minibus Roof as 'Storm of Century' Hits Canary Islands
British tourists found themselves in a perilous situation after being stranded on the roof of a minibus as severe flooding from Storm Therese engulfed the Canary Islands. The incident, which unfolded in Puerto de la Cruz in northern Tenerife, saw five individuals climbing onto the vehicle's roof to escape rapidly rising waters inside a tunnel.
Dramatic Rescue Efforts Amid Torrential Rain
Footage from the scene captured the group's desperate cries for help, with one person heard yelling, 'can someone get us help'. As torrential rain continued to pour, a driver managed to assist three of the occupants to safety. However, two passengers required intervention from firefighters, who lowered a ladder from a bridge above to reach the minibus roof and complete the rescue.
The flooding was part of a broader weather crisis triggered by Storm Therese, which has been locally dubbed the 'storm of the century'. The storm prompted authorities to issue a rare emergency red weather alert, sent directly to mobile phones, warning residents and tourists of life-threatening conditions.
Widespread Disruption and Evacuations Across the Islands
The impact of Storm Therese has been severe and far-reaching. Reports indicate that dams have burst, roads have collapsed, and flights have been cancelled, stranding thousands. On Gran Canaria alone, more than 3,000 people have been evacuated or stranded, with many taking refuge in temporary shelters set up in secondary schools.
Travel chaos extended to air routes, with flights from London, Manchester, and Newcastle being diverted due to recorded wind speeds of 73 mph on Monday night. Officials in San Bartolome de Tirajana have requested assistance from the Military Emergency Unit to manage the escalating crisis.
Ongoing Threats and Safety Warnings
Local authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary journeys as conditions deteriorate. In Lanzarote, residents have been encouraged to stockpile essentials, while the hamlet of Arteara faces being completely cut off due to its location at the base of the Fataga ravine, which relies on a gorge crossing for access.
Additional incidents include a hotel roof collapse, though guests were advised to shelter inside. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing risks of further flooding and infrastructure damage as Storm Therese continues to batter the region.
