The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands has declared a state of alert in the Archipelago due to the risk of coastal flooding and has thus activated the Special Plan for Civil Protection and Emergency Care of the Canary Islands (PEINCA). For the moment, the risk of flooding will remain during the night of this Monday until the morning of this Tuesday.
Although the yellow warnings established by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) in the Canary Islands initially exclude Lanzarote, La Graciosa and Fuerteventura, the regional Executive has established the alert throughout the Archipelago.
Thus, according to the press release sent by the Canary Islands Government, an episode of rough seas to strong rough seas is described, with south and west swell of one to two meters with high energy and, on the coasts open to the north, north swell, also of one to two meters, combined with generalized wind from the north or northeast, from 50 to 61 kilometers per hour (force seven).
It coincides with a moment of spring tides, which could amplify the effects of the rough seas, which could cause incidents in coastal infrastructures and even possible flooding in coastal avenues, especially coinciding with high tide (high tide) and on coasts open to the south and west.
Recommendations to the population
- Protect your home from the possible invasion of sea water.
- Do not stand at the end of docks or breakwaters, and do not risk taking photos or videos near where the waves break.
- Avoid fishing in risk areas.
- Do not drive vehicles on roads near the beach line.
- Never swim on secluded beaches or beaches that you do not know well enough, because there may be local eddies.
- Avoid swimming on beaches with a red flag, in areas with strong waves and undertow or that lack surveillance and rescue services.
- Avoid practicing sports and nautical activities in the areas affected by the swell and do not camp on the beach when there is an alert for sea storms.
- If you notice some unusual waves, do not stay near the sea, or approach even if it suddenly calms down.
- If you have a boat, try to secure its mooring in a sheltered place.
- If you see other people in dangerous places, warn them of the danger.
- If you fall into the water, move away from where the waves break, ask for help and wait to be rescued.
- If you try to get out and are dragged by the waves, try to calm down; do not swim against the current and let yourself be carried away. Generally, coastal currents lose intensity in other sections and that is when you should swim.
- If you are on land and see that someone has fallen into the water, throw them a rope with a float, or any other object that they can hold on to. Immediately notify 1-1-2.
- For any request for information, call 0-12.
