The Government of the Canary Islands, acting through its Directorate General for Emergencies, has issued a pre-alert for calima across the Canary Islands starting from 09:00 tomorrow, 1 February.
This proactive measure has been adopted in response to insights provided by the State Meteorological Agency along with other relevant data sources. It is a direct application of the Canary Islands’ Specific Emergency Plan for the Risk of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA), which aims to mitigate the impact of such events.
The alert anticipates calima episodes featuring particle concentrations that will vary across different islands, expecting daily averages to range between 50 and 100 micrograms per cubic meter.
CALIMA IN THE CANARY ISLANDS: SELF-PROTECTION GUIDELINES
In light of this situation, the Government of the Canary Islands is urging individuals, especially those with heightened sensitivity to such conditions, to adhere strictly to established self-protection guidelines designed for these scenarios.
Key recommendations include keeping doors and windows shut to minimize indoor dust levels and avoiding outdoor activities, especially for those with chronic respiratory conditions. The importance of staying hydrated, avoiding environments that are dry, and ensuring ready access to necessary medications is also emphasized.
Furthermore, individuals are advised against engaging in strenuous physical activities during this period. Drivers are cautioned to reduce their speed due to potential visibility issues on the roads, which could increase the risk of accidents.
