A DANA OVER TENERIFE

A DANA over Tenerife and the other Canary Islands could have devastating consequences for both people and nature.

While the Valencia region and other parts of mainland Spain have faced the impact of a Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos (a DANA or Isolated Depression at High Altitude), the question arises in the Canary Islands as to how the archipelago would respond to a “water bomb” of such magnitude and which regions are most susceptible to flooding. Such a scenario could cause significant human and material damage.

Could a DANA move over Tenerife? The answer is yes. Although the chance is small, it is not nonexistent. Climate change—namely, the warming of seas and oceans—plays a major role in the development of depressions. More information about a DANA can be read [HERE].

Risk Areas Exist

Although the Canary region generally has a mild and dry climate, the islands’ rugged geography, with steep ravines and vulnerable coastal areas, makes them particularly susceptible to flooding and mudslides during extreme weather events. A DANA could not only endanger villages and infrastructure but also impact the local economy and tourism, both essential sectors for the islands.

While such intense rainfall is uncommon on the islands, there are areas where the risk of flooding or ravine overflow could pose a threat to people and animals.

Per Island

The Canary Islands have 189 locations designated as flood risk areas, with 32,083 Canary Islanders living in these zones. Below are some of the most vulnerable areas should weather conditions be dominated by a DANA.

Tenerife
Tenerife has 45 flood zones—eight ravine and 37 coastal areas—that require special attention: Playa de la Nea in El Rosario, Los Abrigos in Granadilla de Abona, and Punta del Risco de Daute in Los Silos are areas prone to water accumulation from rainfall or rising sea levels, putting nearby residents at risk of extreme weather events.

Gran Canaria
In Gran Canaria, flood risk points include several well-known slopes and ravines prone to overflow:
Barranco de Puerto Rico, Barranco de Buenavista, Barranco de El Balo, Barranco de El Polvo, Barranco de Las Goteras, and Barranco de Maspalomas.

In addition to these ravines, coastal areas such as Pozo Izquierdo, Castillo del Romeral, Arguineguín, La Garita, Tufia, and the well-known beach of Las Canteras are also at risk of flooding from water overload or waves.

Lanzarote
In Lanzarote, an estimated 3,835 residents live in ARPSI risk areas, mainly in the municipality of Haría: Punta del Palo and Caleta de Las Escamas. Other vulnerable areas include Punta Mujeres, Caleta del Sebo on La Graciosa, and parts of Arrecife.

Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura has 34 ARPSI locations over approximately 47 km, including the well-known areas of El Jablito in La Oliva, Corralejo, Oliva Beach, Morro del Jable, and Tarajalejo. Here, about 5,586 people live in potential risk areas, especially in tourist hotspots.

La Gomera and El Hierro
In La Gomera, risk points are concentrated in coastal and recreational areas such as San Sebastián de La Gomera, Playa de Santiago, and the area from Vueltas to Playa de la Calera and Playa de Alojera.
In El Hierro, there are also risks in coastal areas and some strategic points: Tamaduste, Puerto de La Estaca, and Pozo de Las Calcosas. Additionally, the smaller island includes risk areas such as the airport, the thermal power plant, and the Parador de Turismo.

The Risk is Small but Still Exists

While the Canary Islands do not typically experience the severe impact of a DANA like the recent events on the mainland, the risk of flooding remains in certain villages and coastal areas. The rugged terrain and numerous ravines increase the danger of flooding in the mentioned areas, underscoring the importance of prevention and monitoring to protect both residents and tourists during extreme weather events.

Guy Devos © AI Illustration
A DANA over Tenerife ©