Major safety concern in Mogán after more rockfalls on roads and paths after storms
Residents in southern Gran Canaria have raised fresh safety concerns after a significant rockfall along a popular coastal walkway in Mogán following recent stormy weather. The incident occurred on the promenade between Arguineguín and Anfi, a route widely used by both tourists and locals.
According to neighbours, large rocks have fallen onto the path, while a further sizeable boulder nearby, already visibly cracked, now poses a potential threat to the GC-500 road below.
This stretch of road, between the Sunwing and Green Beach hotels heading towards Patalavaca, is frequently used by visitors travelling along the coast.
Juan Manuel Gabella, councillor and spokesperson for Nueva Canarias in Mogán, claims warnings about the risk had been raised as far back as 2017. He says concerns centred on a fractured rock above the walkway that has now partially collapsed.
Gabella has criticised what he describes as a lack of safety measures in the area. He points out there is currently no warning signage or barriers in place, meaning pedestrians, including tourists, are still passing through the affected zone, often walking directly over fallen debris.
The only warning sign previously installed, which alerted passers-by in several languages to potential danger, was destroyed during the rockfall.
In a formal request to Mogán Town Hall, Gabella has called for urgent action. He is asking for an immediate inspection of the cliff face, as well as temporary safety measures such as protective netting or other systems to prevent further rockfalls.
He has also requested an assessment of ongoing construction work higher up the slope, questioning whether new developments could be affecting ground stability or placing additional strain on already vulnerable terrain.
However, Willy García, the local councillor for beaches, has played down the risk. After visiting the site with a municipal technician, he told local media that no immediate safety measures are planned, stating that authorities do not currently see a risk to pedestrians.
García suggested that Storm Therese likely caused the weakest part of the rock face to give way, adding that it was fortunate no injuries were reported.
Concerns extend beyond the walkway itself. Gabella warns that if the large cracked rock above the GC-500 were to fall, it could lead to a serious accident involving vehicles travelling along the busy coastal road.
From the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, which is responsible for that section of road, technicians have stated that no incidents have been officially recorded at the site. They say the visible cracks have been present for years and are subject to periodic inspection.
Following Storm Therese, the area was reviewed again, and officials maintain that no immediate risk has been identified. However, they confirmed that contractors are already scheduled to carry out stabilisation work on several slopes in the area in the coming weeks, and this section will be reassessed if necessary.
The wider impact of the storm has been significant across Gran Canaria. Infrastructure damage from the March weather system is estimated at around €80 million, with emergency funding already approved for repairs to more than 20 roads.
Experts warn that such incidents may become more frequent. Recent climate studies suggest the Canary Islands are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, including heavy rain and storms capable of triggering landslides, particularly in built-up areas on steep slopes and near ravines.
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