Severe weather has wreaked havoc on the Canary Islands, particularly impacting the cities of Arrecife and Teguise on Lanzarote and parts of Tenerife. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms led to dramatic flooding, with reports indicating that some areas experienced an astonishing 60 liters of rain per square meter in just two hours. This deluge transformed streets into raging rivers, sweeping away cars and causing significant disruption for both residents and vacationers alike.
Images from the affected regions show vehicles floating through the streets of Arrecife, a sight that underscores the severity of the conditions. The local government was quick to respond, activating an emergency plan that remained in effect until Sunday morning, April 13, 2025, at 7:00 AM. As a precautionary measure, the authorities had previously issued an orange alert for the islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura due to the anticipated storm, named Oliver.
On Saturday, April 12, the situation escalated dramatically. Between 2:00 PM and 10:00 PM, the Safety and Emergency Department of the Canary Islands recorded between 220 and 240 incidents, primarily related to flooding on the ground floors of homes and garages. Residents described the scenes as unprecedented, with many homes inundated and emergency services inundated with calls for help.
Although there have been no reports of casualties thus far, the authorities have urged residents to remain indoors to avoid the dangerous conditions outside. The relentless rain has not only caused immediate flooding but also raised concerns about the potential for further weather-related incidents in the coming days.
Local media have highlighted the extent of the flooding, noting that the rainfall in Lanzarote alone exceeded the monthly average for many regions. The quick succession of heavy rains has overwhelmed drainage systems, resulting in rivers overflowing their banks and inundating urban areas.
As the storm continues to affect the islands, many vacationers have faced disruptions, with several flights to and from Lanzarote airport canceled or diverted due to dangerous flying conditions. The impact of storm Oliver has been felt across the region, forcing many to alter their travel plans and raising concerns about the safety of those still on the islands.
In addition to the immediate effects of the storm, local officials are assessing the longer-term implications of such extreme weather events. With climate change leading to more frequent and severe weather patterns, the Canary Islands may need to reconsider their emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
As the emergency measures are evaluated, local authorities are working to restore normalcy in the affected areas. Cleanup efforts will likely be extensive, given the scale of the flooding and damage reported. Residents and local businesses are bracing for the aftermath, hoping for a swift recovery.
As the storm subsides and the skies clear, the focus will shift to recovery and rebuilding. The government of the Canary Islands has promised to provide support to those affected and to investigate the efficiency of the emergency response. The hope is that lessons learned from this event will better prepare the islands for future weather challenges.
In the meantime, the community is coming together to support one another during this difficult time. Local charities and organizations are mobilizing to assist those impacted by the flooding, offering food, shelter, and resources to help residents cope with the immediate aftermath.
As the situation evolves, residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and to heed any warnings issued by local authorities. The resilience of the community will be tested, but with collective effort and support, there is hope for recovery.
