The island of Lanzarote is entering a phase of recovery after a day of intense rainfall led to widespread flooding, prompting the Cabildo to register more than 300 weather-related incidents.
The Emergency Consortium of Lanzarote has announced that the situation is expected to be “under control” later today, following a rapid emergency response involving over 150 personnel.
According to Enrique Espinosa, manager of the Emergency Consortium, more than 70 litres of rain per square metre fell in just two hours, mainly affecting the municipalities of Teguise and Arrecife. As a result, numerous garages and homes were flooded, roads were closed, and essential services, including electricity in Costa Teguise, were disrupted.
Although the heaviest rainfall has now subsided and emergency calls have slowed, response teams continue to prioritise critical tasks, such as reopening roads and restoring power. Pumps are still needed to drain remaining water, especially from underground spaces such as car parks and basements.
Earlier in the day, the Government of the Canary Islands officially declared a state of emergency on the island under the Special Civil Protection Plan for Flood Risk (PEINCA), following severe localised rainfall.
Municipal and island-wide emergency teams were swiftly deployed in coordination with the Canary Islands Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (CECOES 112) to manage the rapidly evolving situation.
Residents were strongly advised not to drive or park in ravines or near flood-prone areas due to the risk of flash flooding. The public has also been urged to avoid travelling on flooded roads and to ensure mobile phones are charged in case of emergency. For general information, citizens have been directed to call 012.
Despite the progress being made, authorities have stressed that recovery will take time and are calling on residents to remain cautious. The Cabildo of Lanzarote has reiterated that both Lanzarote and La Graciosa will remain under a pre-alert for rainfall, with the potential for more intense showers later in the day.
The Emergency Consortium has appealed for calm and cooperation, urging the public to follow official guidance while clean-up and repair efforts continue across the island.
