Heavy Rain Causes Severe Flooding Across Lanzarote

Heavy rain wreaked havoc across Lanzarote on Saturday, April 12, 2025, as unexpected downpours caused significant flooding and disruption. The Dirección General de Emergencias had declared a pre-alert for rain starting at 11:00 AM, but the severity of the weather exceeded all expectations, leading to inundations of homes and roads, particularly in the western part of the island and areas like Arrecife.

Between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, the rain intensified, with the 112 emergency services reporting that the precipitation was particularly concentrated in the northeastern regions of Lanzarote. This resulted in the closure of key roads, including the route between Arrecife and Órzola at Tahíche, due to water accumulation. Access to Costa Teguise from the north was also interrupted, leaving many residents stranded.

Initial data from the Consorcio de Seguridad y Emergencias de Lanzarote revealed alarming figures: 66.2 liters of rain were recorded in Las Cucharas (Costa Teguise), 60.8 liters in Calle Tenderete (Argana Alta, Arrecife), and 43.2 liters in Punta de los Vientos (Arrecife) in just two hours. The sheer volume of rain overwhelmed the island’s infrastructure, which was ill-equipped to handle such extreme weather conditions.

In Teguise, the situation was dire, with reports of flooding in commercial premises and garages. More than twenty incidents were logged, leading to the temporary closure of several roads. The local emergency services had to activate the island's emergency plan (PEIN) to manage the crisis effectively.

As the storm continued to unleash its fury, many residents were caught off guard. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as fields transformed into makeshift swimming pools, and streets turned into rivers. One local noted, "It’s very likely that even the oldest residents can’t remember anything like what happened this Saturday at noon." The unexpected deluge led to dramatic rescues, with emergency personnel working tirelessly to assist those trapped by the rising waters.

Images from the scene showed streets in Arrecife completely submerged, with people struggling to navigate through knee-deep water. Reports surfaced from neighborhoods like Titerroy, where water overflowed, creating genuine torrents rather than mere puddles. Complaints began pouring in from residents, particularly from the Charco de San Ginés area, where locals expressed frustration over the lack of timely information and assistance from local police.

By the afternoon, the rain finally relented, allowing some respite for the beleaguered residents of Costa Teguise, where the waters began to recede. However, this brief pause was soon followed by another round of rainfall, albeit less intense than before. The unpredictable weather left many in a state of anxiety, as they wondered if the worst was truly over.

Despite the pre-alert issued by the Government of the Canary Islands for Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife, the actual impact of the storm proved to be far greater than anticipated. The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) had warned that rainfall could exceed 15 liters per square meter in some areas, but the reality was that many regions experienced much higher totals.

As the day unfolded, the emergency services faced significant challenges. Many drivers found themselves trapped in their vehicles, uncertain whether to move forward or stay put. The chaos led to scenes of panic, and in some areas, basic services like water and electricity were disrupted. Reports indicated that internet connections were also lost, further complicating the situation for those trying to communicate with loved ones.

Throughout the day, the Consorcio de Seguridad y Emergencias de Lanzarote issued several updates, urging residents to remain calm and avoid unnecessary travel. They reiterated the importance of contacting emergency services in case of any incidents. A press release at 3:21 PM acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, "Lanzarote and La Graciosa will continue in a pre-alert situation for rain throughout Saturday, with the possibility of further strong rainfall in some areas."

In the aftermath of the storm, many residents expressed their concerns over the local government's preparedness for such extreme weather events. The lack of adequate infrastructure and timely response was a recurring theme in the complaints received by local media. Some residents in Argana shared heart-wrenching stories of losing everything to the floodwaters, highlighting the emotional toll of the disaster.

In the face of such an unprecedented weather event, it became clear that the community would need to come together to support one another. The solidarity shown by neighbors helping neighbors was a silver lining amid the chaos. As the sun finally broke through the clouds late in the afternoon, it provided a glimmer of hope for recovery and rebuilding.

As Lanzarote grapples with the aftermath of this storm, the focus will inevitably shift to ensuring better preparedness for future weather events. The lessons learned from this incident will be crucial in developing strategies to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters in the future. The island's residents, while resilient, will undoubtedly advocate for improved infrastructure and emergency response systems to safeguard against the unpredictable forces of nature.