Severe Floods Strike Lanzarote Following Heavy Rainfall

Emergency services respond to hundreds of incidents, but no injuries reported.

Heavy rainfall has resulted in significant flooding across Lanzarote, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency on Saturday night. The torrential downpour, which saw approximately 6cm (2.4 inches) of rain fall in just two hours, inundated several homes and roads on the popular holiday destination. Fortunately, Spanish authorities have reported no injuries from this natural disaster, and the state of emergency was lifted by Sunday morning.

Enrique Espinosa, head of Lanzarote's emergency services, detailed the challenges faced during the deluge, indicating that crews had received around 300 calls for assistance, with Arrecife and Teguise being the most affected areas. Local media suggested over 150 incidents required attention in Costa Teguise and more than 70 in Arrecife, with the San Bartolomé region seeing particularly severe impacts.

Dramatic videos shared on social media show floodwaters rushing under bridges, leaving behind stranded vehicles in their wake. The unique geography and dry climate of the Canary Islands make them susceptible to flooding, especially after intense rain, as the ground is often unable to absorb significant amounts of water quickly.

The heavy rains in Lanzarote followed Storm Olivier, which has brought tumultuous weather to the Canaries and parts of mainland Spain and Portugal in recent days, prompting various weather warnings from Spain's meteorological service for several regions, including threats of storms and heavy winds expected to continue until Tuesday.

The situation remains fluid as authorities monitor conditions in the area and assist affected residents in the aftermath of the flood.