The Flood

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Memory · Subcategory: Sites of memory · Year: 2002

This name is given to the meteorological phenomenon that occurred on 31 March 2002, Palm Sunday, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, characterised by the enormous amount of torrential rain, accompanied at times by electrical storms, that fell over the city between approximately 2 pm and 8 pm, causing one of the greatest natural disasters to occur in the city.

During that short period, in an area that can be limited to the capital and its closest surroundings, a deluge never before seen in these parts fell. 232.6 l/m² fell in 24 hours and 129.9 l/m² in one hour, the greatest amount of water recorded in the city in a single day since records began in 1869.

Immediately the ravines began to run, dragging everything in their path; manholes burst; basements and garages flooded. The streets of Santa Cruz became true raging rivers seeking to drain into the sea. The lower part of the city was left in a catastrophic state.

The rains caused eight deaths and dozens of injuries. Material losses were enormous, estimated at 90 million euros. 70,000 people were left without electricity for hours and 400 homes suffered total or partial destruction.

The city remained in shock for a long time and from then on authorities and meteorological services were urged to work hand in hand to prevent this type of situation in the future.

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