On April 12, 2025, torrential rains wreaked havoc on the popular tourist island of Lanzarote, prompting the Spanish government to declare a state of emergency due to severe flooding. The heavy downpour, which saw nearly 100 liters of rain fall per square meter in some areas, transformed roads into raging rivers, swept away vehicles, and inundated homes.
Videos circulating on social media captured the chaos as brown, muddy waters surged through streets, with cars trapped in the floodwaters. The capital city, Arrecife, along with the tourist hotspot Costa Teguise, were among the areas most affected. According to the local newspaper Tiempo de Canarias, approximately 61 liters of rain fell in Arrecife within just two hours, while Costa Teguise experienced even more severe conditions, recording 97.5 liters per square meter.
Enrique Espinosa, the head of emergency services on Lanzarote, reported that emergency responders received over 300 calls throughout the night, many from residents in Arrecife and Teguise. "We were active all night and processed more than 300 emergency calls, many of which were from Arrecife and Teguise. Some houses were flooded, and what remains is a lot of mud," he stated during an interview with state broadcaster RTVE.
The flooding led to significant disruptions, with multiple streets closed and vehicles washed off the roads. The situation was dire enough for authorities to declare a state of emergency, which was lifted the following morning, April 13, 2025, at 7 a.m. Fortunately, officials confirmed that no injuries were reported as a result of the flooding.
In the wake of the storm, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Initial reports indicate that numerous homes were flooded, and basements were inundated with water and mud. The area around the El Trebol apartment complex in Costa Teguise was particularly hard hit, with images showing the aftermath of the flooding.
This incident is not isolated; just weeks prior, heavy rains had caused devastation on the neighboring island of Gran Canaria, resulting in landslides and flash floods that swept vehicles into the sea. The recent weather events on Lanzarote have raised questions about the increasing frequency and severity of such storms in the region, which could be linked to broader climate change patterns.
As the island begins to recover, local officials are working to clear the debris and assist residents affected by the floods. Many are left to grapple with the aftermath, which includes not only physical damage to property but also emotional strain as they process the chaos that unfolded in just a matter of hours.
Local businesses, heavily reliant on tourism, are also feeling the impact. With many tourists expected to visit Lanzarote in the coming weeks, the storm’s timing could pose significant challenges for the local economy. As recovery efforts continue, the community's resilience will be tested as they work to restore normalcy.
In summary, the torrential rains that struck Lanzarote on April 12, 2025, have left a lasting mark on the island, highlighting the vulnerability of popular tourist destinations to extreme weather events. As authorities assess the damage and begin recovery efforts, the focus will be on rebuilding and preparing for future storms, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can enjoy the beauty of Lanzarote without the threat of such devastating weather.
