Severe floods have wreaked havoc on Lanzarote, a popular holiday destination in the Canary Islands, following torrential rain that began on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The downpour, which saw over 60 liters of rain per square meter in just two hours, prompted local authorities to declare a state of emergency as streets transformed into rivers, leaving hundreds of homes and vehicles submerged.
The emergency declaration was made by Lanzarote's government after the heavy rain caused significant flooding across various areas, including Costa Teguise, San Bartolomé, and Arrecife. By Sunday morning, April 13, 2025, the state of emergency was lifted, but the aftermath of the storm left behind a trail of destruction.
Enrique Espinosa, head of Lanzarote's emergency services, reported that they received around 300 calls for assistance overnight, primarily from Arrecife and Teguise. "We have been working all night, attending 300 calls overnight, many of them in Arrecife and Teguise," Espinosa stated. Emergency services responded to more than 150 incidents in Costa Teguise and over 70 in Arrecife, with the area of San Bartolomé being particularly hard-hit.
Footage shared on social media showed dramatic scenes of floodwaters rushing under bridges and cars stranded on inundated roads. Residents reported a foul smell from sewage as they navigated the chaos. The local government has acknowledged the severity of the flooding, with Oswaldo Betancort, President of the Lanzarote Council, expressing surprise at the sudden deluge. "We were surprised by a sudden downpour, which, mainly in Costa Teguise and Arrecife, caused hours of chaos and uncertainty," he said.
The torrential rain was linked to Storm Olivier, which had recently swept over the Canary Islands and parts of mainland Spain and Portugal, triggering multiple weather alerts. Spain's meteorological service has since issued warnings for various regions, forecasting continued storms and rain through Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
The UK Foreign Office responded to the severe weather by issuing a travel advisory for British tourists considering a trip to Lanzarote. The advisory cautioned travelers about the current conditions, particularly in Costa Teguise, San Bartolomé, and Arrecife, where some hotels were reported to be without electricity and certain roads were affected by mud build-up.
In an update on their travel advice page, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) stated: "Heavy rainfall and flooding in Lanzarote occurred earlier today (April 13, 2025) with Costa Teguise, San Bartolomé, and Arrecife particularly affected. Services across the island are affected. Some hotels are currently without power. Some roads are currently affected by mud. If you are in Lanzarote or traveling to Lanzarote, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local weather updates."
Residents and tourists alike have shared their experiences of the flooding on social media. One British tourist, Mike Hallet, described the scene upon returning to their hotel after a day trip. "The motorways were flooded, water was coming off embankments like full-blown waterfalls," he recounted. "I’ve never seen water like it. I’m amazed no one was killed. It felt like Armageddon."
The local authorities are now focused on recovery efforts. The mayor of Arrecife, Yonathan de León, expressed gratitude for the collaboration among residents, emergency personnel, and military troops who have been involved in drainage and cleaning efforts. "I want to thank the great collaboration and support of residents, troops, and administrations that are collaborating in the tasks of drainage and cleaning in the capital of Lanzarote," said de León.
The cleanup process is expected to take significant time, with officials advising residents to avoid using buckets of water to remove mud, as this could obstruct drainage systems. Instead, they recommend using shovels or other tools to clear debris and mud from homes and public spaces.
As the island begins to recover, local authorities are preparing for the upcoming Easter week, which is expected to bring more rain and lower temperatures in the initial days. However, forecasts indicate that more stable weather and a rise in temperatures could arrive by Thursday, April 17, 2025.
In light of the severe weather, several flights to and from Lanzarote were canceled or diverted due to low visibility, affecting travelers from various UK cities, including Manchester, Gatwick, and Bristol. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors.
The Canary Islands are known for their beautiful landscapes and warm climate, making them a popular destination for tourists. However, the recent flooding serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events, particularly when heavy rains occur after prolonged dry spells.
As the cleanup continues and the situation stabilizes, local officials are urging everyone to remain vigilant and heed any further weather warnings issued by meteorological services. The community's resilience will be tested in the days ahead as they work together to recover from this unexpected disaster.
