Canary government declares emergency in La Gomera and activates the UME

Emergency Declared for Level 2 Rain‑Induced Flooding

The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government decreed at 17:00 h today, Wednesday 25 March, a state of emergency for rain‑induced flooding in La Gomera, following the intense precipitation recorded in recent hours. The decision was taken under the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Flood Risk (PEINCA) of the autonomous community, due to the risk associated with accumulated rainfall over the past days in the various ravine basins, with water flowing from the slopes into the valleys.

The water level in the streams continues to rise, especially in basins that contain reservoirs, where overflow and spillways from upstream dams and ponds add to the flow. Several roads that cross flood‑prone ravine channels remain closed because water is running through the drainage channels.

In response, an alert message was sent through the Es‑Alert system to residents of Valle Gran Rey, urging them to avoid travel, stay indoors, and refrain from using the valley’s exit road. Minutes later, as the downpours intensified, a second message was sent to the municipality of Alajeró, followed by a third and final warning to the entire island population as precipitation increased. The alerts advised people in flood‑risk zones to move to higher ground and to remain calm.

“If you are in an area at risk of flooding, head to higher ground and stay calm,” the Es‑Alert messages read.

Around 13:55 h today, the arrival of the storm system on the island triggered a surge in incidents related to heavy rain, including falling rocks, broken branches and landslides that blocked roads or caused damage to homes.

Following the declaration, the Canary Islands Government, in coordination with the Cabildo of La Gomera, requested the activation of the Military Emergency Unit (UME) from the Government Delegation in the Canary Islands. The move reflects the evolving situation on La Gomera and the need for extraordinary resources to cope with the impacts of the remnants of Storm Therese.

A security and emergency contingent will depart from the Port of Los Cristianos for the island, comprising:

• 20 officers and 10 vehicles from the General Corps of the Canary Islands Police,
• 6 volunteers and 3 civil‑protection vehicles provided by the Arona City Council,
• Additional personnel from the Association for the Development of Emergency Actions (ADAE).

These forces will reinforce local efforts to manage the flooding and related emergencies on La Gomera.