Britons planning to visit Lanzarote have been urged to exercise caution as the island recovers from severe flooding that led to the declaration of a state of emergency over the weekend. While the emergency has now been lifted, tourists may still face disruptions due to weather-related incidents.
Heavy rainfall across the Canary Islands on Saturday, April 12, resulted in widespread flooding, damaging infrastructure and causing chaos for holidaymakers. Hotels lost power, key roads were closed, and emergency services were mobilised to deal with the impact.
Flooding Leads to Chaos in Lanzarote
On Saturday afternoon, intense rainfall hit Lanzarote, triggering flooding in key municipalities such as Arrecife, Teguise, and San Bartolomé. According to local authorities, emergency services recorded over 150 weather-related incidents in a two-hour period between 2 pm and 4 pm.
The worst of the damage occurred in residential areas, where homes and garages were inundated, and several key roads were rendered impassable.
As a result, the Government of the Canary Islands activated the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Flood Risk. This was the first time the plan had been used on the island.
Despite the severe flooding, no injuries were reported. However, the damage to infrastructure, including power outages at hotels, caused significant disruption for tourists who were in the midst of their Easter holidays.
Travel Advisory for Visitors to Lanzarote
While the state of emergency has now been lifted, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has urged travellers to remain vigilant.
In its latest travel advisory, the FCDO recommended that Britons planning to visit Lanzarote should “follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local weather updates.” The guidance also noted that “journeys may be affected” by residual flooding and road closures.
The FCDO has not advised against travel to Lanzarote, but tourists are encouraged to plan their trips carefully. Key roads, including the route between Arrecife and Órzola, remain vulnerable to further disruptions due to water accumulation. Tourists are advised to check the weather conditions before embarking on any travel within the island.
The Canary Islands remain a popular destination for British tourists, with Lanzarote known for its pleasant climate and attractive holiday offerings. However, the recent flooding serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed about local conditions, particularly during adverse weather events.
