Woman rescued from flooded ravine after clinging to a tree for two hours during Storm Therese
The effects of Storm Therese have been dramatic in the Arguineguín ravine in Gran Canaria, where rising floodwaters left an elderly woman trapped and forced the closure of a key road, isolating around 200 residents.
Emergency services were alerted in the early hours of Friday after intense overnight rainfall caused a sudden surge of water through the ravine. The incident occurred in an area of makeshift shelters where homeless people are known to live.
An 80-year-old woman was caught off guard by the fast-moving current and had no time to escape. She managed to cling to a tree while waiting to be rescued.
Firefighters from Puerto Rico were called out at around 7:00am, although it is believed the woman may have been stranded for up to two hours. Crews deployed a lifeline and successfully brought her to safety across the ravine.
She was later taken by ambulance to a local health centre suffering from hypothermia and severe leg pain.
Road Closure Leaves Residents Cut Off
The severe weather also led to the closure of the GC-505 road, leaving several communities cut off in the municipality of Mogán.
According to local councillor Willy García, speaking on regional television, around 200 residents in the Filipinas and El Horno areas have been affected. Approximately five kilometres of the road have been impacted, with some sections already compromised due to ongoing works linked to the Salto de Chira project.
Residents reported that the road has been impassable since around 4:00am.
Floodwaters Sweep Through Ravine
Witnesses described water rushing through the ravine with “incredible speed and force”, carrying rocks and vegetation and creating dangerous conditions throughout the area.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation as Storm Therese brings further instability to the Canary Islands. Residents and visitors are being advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain alert.
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