Alert activated for risk of coastal flooding in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote

The Government of the Canary Islands, through the Directorate General of Emergencies, has declared a state of alert due to the risk of coastal flooding in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, as provided for in the Special Plan for Civil Protection and Emergency Response for Flood Risk in the autonomous community of the Canary Islands (PEINCA).

The forecast indicates a risk of coastal flooding due to waves breaking over seawalls and roads close to the coast during high tides, with the danger increasing two hours before and up to an hour and a half after the peak high tide.

This situation arises from the northeast wind, with gusts between 39 and 61 km/h, and the strong swell with areas of rough seas with groundswell. High tides during the new moon will be particularly intense during high tides today, Wednesday, April 10th, between 2:50am. and 3:15am, and later between 3:15pm and 3:40pm.

In this regard, the Directorate General of Emergencies advises the population not to stand at the end of docks or breakwaters, nor to risk taking photographs or videos near where the waves break.

People should avoid driving on roads near the shoreline and engaging in sports and recreational activities near the coast, such as fishing.

Those who live on the coast should protect their homes from possible seawater invasion and remove any objects located outside that may be swept away by the waves.

If someone falls into the water, they should move away from where the waves break, call for help, and wait to be rescued. If you see someone in distress at sea, throw them a buoy with a flotation device or any object they can hold onto and immediately notify 112. Do not put yourself at risk by going into the water.