Crisis in Tenerife as another beach is quickly closed to tourists | World | News
Officials in Tenerife have announced yet another beach closure amid fears that loose rocks could fall on holidaymakers.
Benijo beach in the Santa Cruz area is lauded as one the island’s best stretches of sand, often described as its “hidden jewel”. It’s located in Taganana in the north of the Spanish island and is known for its stunning views of the Roques de Anaga rock formations.
But it’s now closed to visitors while authorities assess the risk to the public. It comes as a further blow for holidaymakers as restrictions were introduced at two other popular beaches.
In a statement on Monday, Santa Cruz city council said: “The councillor for citizen security and emergencies, Gladis de León, has signed this morning a decree to close access to Benijo beach due to small landslides that have been observed in recent weeks.
Technical reports have been commissioned to evaluate both the risks posed by the slope and what possible actions may be necessary, officials said.
“Over the last few days, small falls of material have been detected that could indicate the instability of some areas of the slope above the beach,” the council explained.
“These warnings, coming from the Spanish Red Cross staff that provides the rescue and lifeguard service in this area, have led the Santa Cruz city council to take this decision.
They added that though the situation does not currently appear serious, “it is necessary to carry out the relevant studies and adopt the necessary precautionary measures”.
A sign will at the access area to the beach will be in place to warn would-be vistors, while security and security emergency personnel will be present to notify the public, “appealing to the responsibility of everyone to avoid unnecessary risks,” the statement read.
It comes after swimming was banned “indefinitely” at another Tenerife spot favoured by sunseekers, the Playa Jardin beach in Puerto de la Cruz, over the quality of the water and indicators of waste pollution.
Meanwhile, La Orotava Council has announced that Playa de Los Patos will remain closed for the rest of the summer due to rockfalls that have occurred.
Authorities are yet to comment on when Benijo beach might reopen.
