On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the island of Lanzarote was hit by an intense downpour that resulted in widespread flooding, road closures, and significant emergency responses across the region. The torrential rain began in the early afternoon, peaking between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, and caused over 150 incidents, primarily in the municipalities of Arrecife and Teguise.
According to reports from the local emergency services, the rain was particularly severe in Costa Teguise, where residents witnessed unprecedented flooding. "I’ve never seen anything like it," said a local resident, describing the deluge that overwhelmed the area. The flooding was so extensive that it trapped vehicles in waterlogged streets and inundated basements and garages.
The Canary Islands Government responded to the emergency by activating the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Attention Plan for Flood Risk (PEINCA) for the first time, declaring a state of island emergency at 4:00 PM. This declaration was a direct response to the heavy rains that had caused significant disruption and damage, particularly in Arrecife, Teguise, and San Bartolomé.
Between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM alone, the 112 Canarias emergency service recorded approximately 150 incidents related to the downpour. Most of these incidents involved flooding in homes and garages, as well as issues on various roads due to accumulated water. The situation prompted the activation of emergency resources, both municipal and island-wide, coordinated by the Emergency Coordination Center (CECOES) 112.
As the rainfall continued, the Las Cucharas weather station in Costa Teguise recorded a staggering 62.2 liters of rain per square meter within just two hours, while the Tenderete area logged 60.8 liters and Punta de los Vientos 43.2 liters during the same period. The exceptionally high levels of precipitation led to the closure of major roads, including the route between Arrecife and Órzola at Tahíche.
In the Argana Alta neighborhood of Arrecife, residents reported 61 liters of rain per square meter in a two-hour span, contributing to severe flooding conditions. Images shared on social media showed streets transformed into rivers, with cars submerged and debris carried away by the rushing water. One video captured a vehicle caught in the floodwaters, illustrating the chaos that ensued as the storm intensified.
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) had initially issued a yellow warning for the island, anticipating heavy showers, but the reality far exceeded expectations. The warning was lifted at 5:00 PM, but the island remained under a rain pre-alert from the Canary Islands Government, anticipating continued rainfall into Sunday.
In light of the severe weather conditions, the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. They emphasized the dangers of driving through flooded areas and advised against parking in low-lying regions prone to flooding.
As the emergency unfolded, the local government issued several safety recommendations. Citizens were advised to check their roofs and drainage systems, avoid camping in flood-prone areas, and prepare for potential power outages. The Consorcio de Seguridad y Emergencias reinforced the importance of not using elevators during flooding and to stay away from basements.
Power outages were reported in various areas, particularly in Costa Teguise, where the severe weather impacted residential and tourist zones. The storm left some neighborhoods without electricity, and the parking lot of the Open Mall shopping center was completely flooded.
As the day progressed, the situation remained precarious, with emergency services on high alert for further incidents. Many families found themselves stranded due to the rising waters, and the local authorities continued to monitor the weather closely.
In response to the ongoing threat, the Cabildo of Lanzarote declared an island emergency at 4:15 PM, which would remain in effect until 7:00 AM on Sunday, April 13. This declaration aimed to facilitate a coordinated response to the flooding and to ensure that resources were available to assist those affected.
Local residents expressed their concerns about the lack of preparation for such extreme weather conditions. Fernando Díaz, a local journalist, captured footage of the flooding in the Altavista neighborhood, stating, "This street is not prepared for such events. We need a solution to prevent this from happening again." His sentiments echoed the frustrations of many who felt that the infrastructure was inadequate to handle the deluge.
The heavy rains in Lanzarote serve as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, which experts warn could become more common due to climate change. As the island grapples with the immediate impacts of this storm, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and mitigating further risks.
As night fell, emergency services continued to respond to calls for assistance, and the community came together to support one another in the aftermath of the flooding. The resilience of the people of Lanzarote shone through as they faced the challenges posed by nature, hopeful for clearer skies in the days to come.
