Following severe flooding over the weekend, travelers heading to Lanzarote are receiving updated guidance.
The Canary Island recently declared a state of emergency due to intense rainfall that caused widespread flooding on Saturday, April 12th. This marked the first activation of Lanzarote’s Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Flood Risk. Between 2pm and 4pm alone, emergency services responded to roughly 150 incidents related to the weather.
While the state of emergency has now been lifted, offering reassurance to those planning a late Easter trip, caution is still advised.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) states they do not advise against traveling to Lanzarote; however, visitors are urged to remain vigilant. As stated by the FCDO:
“Heavy rainfall and flooding occurred in Lanzarote over the weekend. Journeys may be affected.”
The municipalities of Arrecife, Teguise, and San Bartolomé were particularly impacted. Although Spanish authorities report no injuries, the conditions did create significant disruption.
- Some hotels experienced power outages, impacting holidaymakers.
- Key roads, including the route between Arrecife and Órzola near Tahíche, were closed due to flooding.
- Access to Costa Teguise from the north was temporarily blocked.
The majority of calls received by emergency services concerned flooded homes and garages, along with road closures resulting from water accumulation.
Emergency resources, coordinated through CECOES 112 (the Canary Islands Emergency and Security Coordination Centre), were swiftly mobilized to address the crisis.
Spain consistently ranks as a top holiday destination for British travelers, celebrated for its affordability, convenient location, sunshine, beaches, and overall appeal. Before traveling, it is crucial to review the FCDO’s current guidance regarding warnings, insurance, entry requirements, safety and security considerations, health information, and how to obtain assistance.
Checking travel advice before any international trip remains essential for a safe and informed journey. Recent updates have also warned holidaymakers in another European destination about potential border closures and delays, and elsewhere, travelers may soon need to complete specific documentation or risk being denied entry to a popular tourist location.
