Heavy flooding disrupts Canary Islands holiday spots, cars swept away

Torrential rainfall has wreaked havoc across the Canary Islands, flooding streets and leaving popular holiday destinations submerged in water.

The heavy downpours, which have battered Gran Canaria and Tenerife for several days, have led to widespread chaos, with cars swept away by fast-moving floodwaters.

In Telde, a town on Gran Canaria, dramatic footage showed cars drifting through streets before being carried out to sea.

Emergency services worked to rescue stranded drivers as torrential waters surged through streets, uprooting trees and flooding businesses.

Locals and tourists alike were seen struggling through the muddy waters to reach safety.

One of the most dramatic incidents occurred in Tenerife, where heavy rainfall trapped at least 80 people in a supermarket.

Shoppers could not access their vehicles due to high water levels in the parking area, forcing emergency teams to pump out the water.

While many were eventually rescued, the scene highlighted the severity of the ongoing storm.

Photo: REUTERS

The storms have continued throughout the islands, with the national weather agency AEMET issuing a red weather alert for Gran Canaria on Monday, warning of further heavy rains, hail, and potential snow in the coming days. Authorities have advised tourists to remain indoors as conditions worsen, particularly in popular tourist areas.

The downpours have also disrupted local events, including the island’s annual carnival celebrations. Several parades and festivities, including the highly anticipated drag queen competition, have been either cancelled or rescheduled due to the weather.

The flooding comes amid a broader trend of extreme weather events in Spain, with previous storms in the region causing widespread damage and loss of life. Local authorities are under increasing pressure to improve disaster preparedness as such events become more frequent.

As the rain continues to fall, emergency services remain on high alert, working tirelessly to assist those affected by the floods. Authorities are urging residents and tourists to stay informed and take necessary precautions until the severe weather subsides later this week.