A state of emergency has been declared on Lanzarote, a Spanish Canary Island, following torrential rainfall that has caused severe flooding across the region. On Saturday, April 12, 2025, six centimeters of rain fell within just two hours, transforming streets into muddy rivers and inundating homes.
According to local authorities, the heavy storms resulted in significant damage, with dramatic video footage showing torrents of brown water surging beneath bridges while vehicles became trapped on submerged roads. Enrique Espinosa, the head of emergency services for the government of Lanzarote, reported, "We have been working all night and received over 300 emergency calls, many from Arrecife and Teguise. Some houses are flooded, and what remains is a large amount of mud." Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
The popular holiday destination of Lanzarote, known for its beautiful landscapes and tourist attractions, faced a challenging situation as heavy rain caused rivers to swell into raging torrents. Many cellars were flooded, and cars were left stranded as streets became unpassable.
On April 12, the regional government temporarily declared a state of emergency due to the severity of the weather conditions. This declaration, however, has since been lifted as the immediate crisis subsided. Reports indicated that in the capital, Arrecife, approximately 61 liters of rain per square meter were recorded in that short span, while the tourist resort of Costa Teguise experienced even more intense rainfall, with a staggering 97.5 liters per square meter.
As the rains continued, local rescue services were inundated with calls for assistance, indicating the widespread impact of the flooding. Espinosa emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We were on duty all night, and the volume of calls reflects the chaos many residents faced." Videos circulating on social media depicted the dramatic scenes, with onlookers capturing the fierce currents that swept through the streets.
In addition to the flooding, several roads were closed due to safety concerns, complicating the rescue and recovery efforts. Residents expressed their frustrations and concerns over the damage to their homes and properties. Despite the challenges, the local government and emergency services worked diligently to respond to the crisis and assist those affected.
As the situation began to stabilize, the focus shifted to assessing the damage and beginning the cleanup process. The aftermath of the flooding left behind a considerable amount of mud, which emergency teams are now tasked with clearing. Espinosa noted the importance of swift recovery efforts, saying, "We need to ensure that homes are safe and that residents can return to their normal lives as quickly as possible."
While the immediate danger has passed, the weather forecast indicates that the region may continue to experience unstable conditions in the coming days. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation, and residents have been urged to remain vigilant and prepared for any further rain.
This recent flooding event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather patterns and the potential for severe storms, particularly in regions like Lanzarote that are accustomed to a more stable climate. As the island begins to recover, both local authorities and residents are hopeful that future weather events will be less severe.
The community's resilience and ability to come together in times of crisis have been commendable, as neighbors assist each other in the cleanup efforts. Many residents have expressed gratitude for the prompt response from emergency services and the support from local organizations.
As Lanzarote looks to the future, the focus will be on rebuilding and ensuring that infrastructure is prepared for any similar events that may occur. The local government has already begun discussions on improving drainage systems and emergency response protocols to mitigate the impact of future storms.
In the meantime, the island remains a popular destination for tourists, who are drawn by its stunning landscapes and unique attractions. As recovery efforts continue, Lanzarote is expected to bounce back, showcasing the spirit of its community and the beauty of its environment.
