The rains have left more than 86 liters per square meter in 24 hours, and CECOPIN has recorded more than 100 incidents since 2:00 p.m. this Wednesday, March 25.
Access to the municipality via the GM-1 from the Yorima Tunnel in Valle Gran Rey and via the CV-11 road linking Paredes with Alajeró is closed.
Departures on GuaguaGomera lines 1, 6 and 8 from the town are suspended.
The Cabildo de La Gomera has asked the Government of the Canary Islands to raise the emergency level to 2 due to the impact of Storm Therese, which the island has been experiencing in recent hours.
The decision was made after the heavy rainfall and accumulation that occurred, reaching up to 86 liters per square meter in 24 hours, which puts the situation in a high-risk scenario.
The Island Operational Coordination Center (CECOPIN) has recorded more than 100 incidents since 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25.
Means enforced
The situation forces the suspension of all lines 1, 6 and 8 of GuaguaGomera that operate with Valle Gran Rey until further notice, with the aim of minimizing risks.
Access to Valle Gran Rey via the GM-1 has been closed at the Yorima Tunnel due to the risk of landslides caused by heavy rain. As a result, this road cannot be used, and we kindly ask you not to enter or leave the municipality over the next few hours.
In Valle Gran Rey, Calle San Antonio (Guadá area) is also closed, and the La Vizcaína neighborhood is cut off, with no access at the moment. Likewise, Avenida Marítima, in the section between La Playa and La Puntilla, is closed to both pedestrians and vehicles due to the flooding of the ravine.
The children who were in the municipality's schools will begin to be transported home with the guarantee of the necessary safety and precautionary measures.
In addition, the CV-11 road, which connects Paredes with the town of Alajeró, has been closed. Technical teams and staff from the road maintenance and upkeep service are already on the roads, assessing the damage caused and determining the actions to be taken.
Suspension of teaching activities
Following the latest guidelines from the General Directorate of Emergencies and Civil Protection of the Government of the Canary Islands, and in coordination with the Emergency Services of the Cabildo de La Gomera, the Department of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity and Sports, in order to avoid travel by members of the educational community, hereby announces the suspension of in-person classes for the afternoon and evening shifts on Wednesday, March 25.
The recommendation for students and teachers who are already at the school is to stay on the premises and follow the instructions of the emergency services.
Classes will remain suspended for the entire day on Thursday, March 26, in order to avoid travel across the island due to the risk of landslides and debris on the island's roads.
Inland shipping line operations
Due to the closure of the GM-1 highway as it passes through Valle Gran Rey, Fred. Olsen Express on the La Gomera inland sea route has undergone significant changes for this Wednesday, March 25. The company has decided to delay the departure of the Benchi Express from San Sebastián until 5:45 p.m. The main aim of this change is to ensure that passengers traveling from Tenerife by sea can complete their journey and reach their final destination despite the road closures.
To mitigate the inconvenience, the Port Authority has set up a specific area in the Port of San Sebastián, allowing affected users to park their vehicles safely. What's more, Fred. Olsen Express will reinforce the connection with extra direct sailings between the two ports: an additional departure from Valle Gran Rey has been scheduled for 8:00 p.m. and a final return sailing from San Sebastián for 9:45 p.m.
For tomorrow, March 26, and after coordinating with the La Gomera Island Council, a special operation has been set up to facilitate the transfer of groups who need to connect with flights in Tenerife. For this reason, the first departure from Valle Gran Rey will be brought forward to 5:15 am, thus guaranteeing a connection with the 7:00 am ferry to Los Cristianos. The shipping company will maintain additional reinforcement sailings until land access returns to normal and advises passengers to keep an eye out for further updates.
Recommendations to the population
The population is recommended to follow the self protection tips established by the Directorate of Security and Emergencies. Likewise, citizens are reminded that in the event of any risk situation, they should contact the emergency service, through 112, or CECOPIN, through 922 14 15 01.
