The Government of the Canary Islands has declared a state of emergency in Lanzarote following intense and locally severe rainfall that caused significant flooding across the island on Saturday.
This marks the first activation of the island-wide emergency under the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Flood Risk (PEINCA) in Lanzarote.
The worst affected areas include the municipalities of Arrecife, Teguise, and San Bartolomé. Between 2:00pm and 4:00pm alone, the 112 emergency services recorded around 150 weather-related incidents. Most were linked to flooding in homes and garages, along with road disruptions caused by water accumulation.
In response, emergency resources from both municipal and island levels were mobilised and coordinated through CECOES 112, the Canary Islands Emergency and Security Coordination Centre. The General Directorate of Emergencies has issued a public reminder advising against parking or driving in ravines, as sudden water flow poses a serious risk of flash flooding.
Authorities have also urged the public to avoid travelling by road unless absolutely necessary and warned against attempting to drive through water-covered streets. Residents are encouraged to ensure their phone batteries are charged in case they need to contact emergency services via 112, and for general information, the public is advised to use the 012 helpline.
The storm, which intensified between 1:00pm and 2:00pm, had already caused over 20 reported incidents in Lanzarote, particularly in Teguise, where floodwaters affected ground floors and garages. Several roads have been closed, including the route between Arrecife and Órzola near Tahíche. Access to Costa Teguise from the north has also been cut off due to impassable conditions.
The alert comes as part of a broader pre-alert issued for the eastern Canary Islands and Tenerife under the Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA), based on forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). Heavy rainfall is expected to continue, especially in the north and metropolitan areas of Tenerife, as well as in eastern Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
The Lanzarote Cabildo has reiterated that both Lanzarote and La Graciosa will remain under pre-alert for rain throughout the day. Some downpours may be particularly intense, and the public is being urged to remain calm and follow all safety recommendations.
The emergency services in Lanzarote continue to monitor the situation closely as teams work to manage ongoing incidents and mitigate the impact of the flooding.
