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7 months ago
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A tourist died and at least 130 people had to be evacuated as Tenerife was hit by freak storms.
The island is today mopping up after coastal areas saw waves of more than 16 feet smash into sea walls and sweep water into houses and businesses.
The person who died, a 53-year-old Czech tourist, fell into the rough sea at 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 on the sea edge when he was swept away.
Horrified witnesses saw his body in the water and called the emergency services.
A tourist died and at least 130 people had to be evacuated as Tenerife was hit by freak storms. Pictured: Workers clean up after the storm battered the coast of the Canary Island
The island is today mopping up after coastal areas saw waves of more than 16 feet smash into sea walls and sweep water into houses and businesses
The person who died, a 53-year-old Czech tourist, fell into the rough sea at the northern resort of Puerto de la Cruz and drowned despite efforts to save him. Pictured: People watch high waves rolling in at Candelaria, Tenerife on Wednesday
He was eventually picked up by a helicopter and taken back to land but could not be revived.
The Directorate General of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands has issued a statement urging the public to take extreme precautions, especially near the sea, although the official alert for the freak waves was lifted this morning.
Tenerife officials said people from some 60 houses were evacuated Wednesday, adding that waves reached some 16 feet in several areas.
Yesterday's storm caused damage to vehicles, boats and more than 15 homes in the east of the island.
Ironically, a change of weather today will see Tenerife 'roast like an oven' as temperatures soar into the mid-30s.
The Canaries were already on alert for high temperatures, the presence of haze, gusts of wind of 55 miles per hour and forest fires.
However, the very strong waves took residents of Tenerife by surprise with homes and streets flooded. Many said they did not 'remember anything like it in years.'
Weather experts said the combination of the strong gusts of wind, together with the spring tides due to the full moon, caused the sea to wash over beaches, promenades and roads close to the coastline.
Workers assess the damage to a coastal area in Tenerife
Tenerife officials said people from some 60 houses were evacuated Wednesday, adding that waves reached some 16 feet in several areas
Tourists pose for photographs as high waves break on the coast in La Palma, Gran Canaria, Spain, on Wednesday
The areas in Tenerife most affected were El Rosario, Candelaria, Arafo, Güímar and Arico, all along the east coast.
The most popular holiday resorts in the south of Tenerife escaped damage.
The weather agency, Aemet says Tenerife's capital of 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 on mainland Spain.
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