Lanzarote, a popular holiday destination, faced a severe weather crisis on Saturday, April 12, 2025, as torrential rains caused significant flooding across the island. The Consorcio de Emergencias de Lanzarote reported over 300 incidents due to the heavy rainfall, which exceeded 70 liters per square meter in some areas. The situation prompted officials to declare a state of emergency, marking the first such declaration for flooding risks in the region.
The downpour, which lasted for just two hours, overwhelmed local drainage systems, leaving homes and streets submerged. Particularly hard-hit were the municipalities of Arrecife, Teguise, and San Bartolomé, where residents reported extensive flooding in their homes and garages. Enrique Espinosa, the manager of the Consorcio de Seguridad y Emergencias, emphasized the need for emergency response teams, stating, "What we need now are pumps to remove the water that has accumulated, especially in garages."
Emergency services were on high alert, with the Government of the Canary Islands declaring a situation of pre-alert for rain starting at 11:00 AM on the same day. By 4:00 PM, the situation escalated to an official emergency declaration due to the rapid increase in incidents reported to the 112 emergency hotline. Between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM alone, the service recorded around 150 incidents, primarily due to flooding.
Videos shared on social media depicted roads transformed into fast-flowing rivers, with cars stranded and unable to navigate the flooded streets. The flooding was so severe that residents of Arrecife were met with the unpleasant smell of raw sewage, a consequence of the overwhelmed drainage systems. The storm also affected towns such as Tahiche, Costa Teguise, Guatiza, and Nazaret, where rivers swelled and burst their banks.
In Nazaret, the Lagomar River overflowed, inundating surrounding areas. The rainfall in the worst-affected spots reached levels equivalent to more than a month’s worth of average rainfall in the UK, with reports indicating that approximately 60 liters of water fell per square meter during the storm.
As the situation developed, the Consorcio de Emergencias urged residents to remain calm and to follow safety recommendations, advising against unnecessary travel and emphasizing the importance of staying indoors. The emergency plan activated by the Cabildo de Lanzarote is expected to remain in effect until 7:00 AM on Sunday, April 13, 2025.
This deluge followed earlier heavy rainfall earlier in the week caused by Storm Olivier, which had already disrupted travel, leading to the cancellation and diversion of several flights to and from Lanzarote Airport. Flights from major cities including Manchester, Gatwick, Bristol, and Dublin were affected, as dangerous flying conditions persisted.
The authorities have reiterated the importance of public safety during such extreme weather events. The Dirección General de Seguridad y Emergencias has advised against driving in flooded areas and warned residents to avoid parking in riverbeds or other low-lying areas prone to flooding. They also reminded citizens to check their phones and batteries in case of emergencies and to contact the 112 service if they encounter any urgent situations.
As the island continues to deal with the aftermath of this unexpected storm, the focus remains on recovery and ensuring that residents are safe and informed. The local government is working diligently to restore normalcy and assist those affected by the flooding.
The Consorcio de Emergencias de Lanzarote is committed to managing the situation effectively and keeping the public updated on developments. With the storm having passed, the immediate threat of further rainfall appears to have subsided, but the impact of the flooding will likely be felt for some time as recovery efforts begin.
In a region where tourism is a major economic driver, the implications of such weather events can be significant. Local businesses and residents alike are hoping for a swift recovery as they navigate the challenges posed by this unprecedented weather event.
