Five die in Canary Islands flash floods

Five people have been killed after torrential rains triggered mudslides and flash floods on Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in the Canary…

Five people have been killed after torrential rains triggered mudslides and flash floods on Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in the Canary Islands.

Five people have been killed after torrential rains triggered mudslides and flash floods on Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in the Canary Islands.

The floods, some as high as traffic lights, swept away cars and toppled walls and trees.

Another 30 people were injured and taken to hospitals.

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Santa Cruz Mayor Mr Miguel Zerolo said the victims include a young girl who was crushed by a falling wall.

Two men were also killed when they ventured out in a four-wheel drive to save family members.

The floods made roads across the island impassable, stranding thousands of people who were returning to Santa Cruz, the island's capital, after the Easter holiday.

Many people unable to reach their homes or whose houses were flooded spent the night in temporary accommodation. The storm has left 50,000 residents without electricity and people have been urged to remain indoors.

PA