The Government of the Canary Islands has declared a state of emergency in Lanzarote after intense rainfall triggered widespread flooding across the island this weekend.
This marks the first time authorities have activated the island-wide emergency under the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Flood Risk in Lanzarote.
Significant flooding has affected multiple areas following severe downpours that intensified between 1pm and 2pm on Saturday.
Emergency services are responding to numerous incidents as the situation continues to develop. The worst affected municipalities include Arrecife, Teguise, and San Bartolomé.
A warning has been issued in Lanzarote
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Between 2pm and 4pm alone, the 112 emergency services recorded approximately 150 weather-related incidents.
Most calls involved flooding in homes and garages, along with road disruptions caused by water accumulation.
In Teguise, over 20 incidents were reported before the storm intensified, with floodwaters affecting ground floors and garages. The deluge has caused significant disruption across these communities as emergency teams respond.
Emergency resources from both municipal and island levels have been mobilised in response to the crisis. These efforts are being coordinated through CECOES 112, the Canary Islands Emergency and Security Coordination Centre.
Several key roads have been closed due to the flooding, including the route between Arrecife and Órzola near Tahíche.
Access to Costa Teguise from the north has also been cut off as conditions have become impassable. Emergency teams continue to work across the affected areas as they manage the ongoing incidents.
The General Directorate of Emergencies has issued a stark warning advising against parking or driving in ravines due to flash flooding risks.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid travelling by road unless absolutely necessary. Residents have been warned not to attempt driving through water-covered streets under any circumstances.
The public is encouraged to keep mobile phone batteries charged to ensure they can contact emergency services via 112 if needed.
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Anyone planning on visiting should stay updated on the latest information
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For general information, residents are advised to use the 012 helpline instead of emergency numbers.
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.
The Lanzarote Cabildo has confirmed that both Lanzarote and La Graciosa will remain under pre-alert for rain throughout the day. Some downpours may be particularly intense according to forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency.
The public is being urged to remain calm and follow all safety recommendations as emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely.
