Most of the operations have focused on road safety, with 72 interventions due to landslides and 16 due to objects on the road, in addition to disruptions to basic electricity, telecommunications and water services.
Please be reminded that the Island Emergency Plan is in effect, with the preventive closure of recreational areas, trails, and paths.
The Cabildo de La Gomera, through its Island Operational Coordination Center (CECOPIN), managed more than a hundred incidents after the activation of the Island Civil Protection Emergency Plan (PEIN) due to the passage of Storm Therese over the island.
Emergency services have responded to a total of 111 incidents across the island. Most of the operations have focused on road safety, with 72 call-outs due to landslides and 16 due to objects on the road, in addition to dealing with various issues with basic electricity, telecommunications and water services.
The President of the Cabildo, Casimiro Curbelo, wanted to highlight the effectiveness of the operation deployed, "which managed to act swiftly in response to a complex weather event. The top priority remains the safety of the people of La Gomera, especially in hazardous situations in ravine waterways and on main roads."
Curbelo also insisted on reminding everyone that the current operational situation still requires caution when traveling, and he recommended staying tuned to updates from official information channels.
Curbelo was referring to one of the most serious incidents recorded, the collapse of the road at the entrance to the neighborhoods of Erque and Erquito, which has left around fifteen people isolated. "From the Cabildo, we have made all available personnel and technical resources available to cooperate with the Vallehermoso Town Council in managing this situation and providing assistance to the affected residents, especially the most vulnerable," he added.
He therefore announced that the Island Council and the Town Council of Vallehermoso have already signed an agreement, with an investment of €2 million, to carry out the work needed to improve and upgrade access to the two hamlets and to stabilize the slope.
For his part, the island's Emergency Councilor, Héctor Cabrera, stressed the importance of remaining cautious despite the change in conditions, since "although we have moved from a general alert to a pre-alert, CECOPIN is maintaining constant monitoring. We have intervened in cases of people and objects in ravine channels to prevent greater risks, and we ask the public to respect the instructions and signs."
Finally, the island's Roads Commissioner, Aníbal González, reported on the most critical points of the island's road network. "We are focusing our technical efforts on large-scale landslides, such as those located on the GM-2 (PK 15) and on the access road to Vallehermoso Beach via the GM-1, as well as on others that may occur over the coming hours due to the accumulated rainfall."
The Island Emergency Plan remains in effect.
The Cabildo de La Gomera is keeping the Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) in force, which means that restrictions are being applied on the island, as well as certain recommendations.
The El Rejo CV-14 road, which connects the GM-1 with the GM-2, remains closed, as do the facilities of the Botanical Garden in Vallehermoso. Similarly, the island's network of hiking trails, forest roads, and recreational areas has been closed, as well as those belonging to the Garajonay National Park. Similarly, municipalities have been advised to suspend all outdoor gatherings and public events for the duration of the alert.
The island government is calling on everyone to comply with the restrictions set out in the PEIN declaration. What's more, all the technical and human resources under the Island Council's control have been mobilized, in addition to volunteers and state law enforcement agencies.
Tips for when it rains
In light of the rain warning and the flood watch, the La Gomera Island Water Council recommends checking the condition of roofs and drains, as well as avoiding access to cultivated land. Furthermore, please remember to avoid crossing bridges where water is overflowing, entering flood-prone areas (garages, basements), and parking vehicles in landslide-prone areas or riverbeds.
Recommendations to the population
Warnings for landslides, flash floods, and rainfall remain in effect. The public is advised 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.
