Lorraine Williamson
On Saturday, April 12, Lanzarote was struck by intense flooding following heavy rainfall from Storm Olivier. Within a few hours, more than 60 litres of rain per square metre fell, particularly affecting Arrecife, Costa Teguise, and San Bartolomé.
As a result, roads were submerged, several hotels suffered damage, and power outages occurred. In some areas, cars were partially submerged, and residents had to remove water from their homes.
By the following morning, the full extent of the damage became evident. Streets, especially in Arrecife, were covered in mud. Local officials called the situation unprecedented. In response, the Canary Islands government declared a state of emergency, which was lifted by Sunday, April 13. Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries, though over 220 incidents were recorded.
Is Lanzarote safe to travel to now?
For the most part, yes. Lanzarote’s airport is operating normally, and there are no current travel advisories from Spain or other countries. However, travellers should stay updated on local news and follow guidance from authorities.
While the island is largely open for tourism, some areas remain challenging to access. Certain roads are still blocked, and several hotels are without electricity. There is also lingering mud in many parts of the island, which may slow down traffic. If you plan to travel soon, it’s a good idea to check with your accommodation regarding the current situation.
Spain’s national weather agency AEMET has predicted light rain in the coming days, but no further dangerous weather conditions.
What about travel cancellations or compensation?
As there is no official travel ban in place, airlines and tour operators are not obliged to offer refunds. If travel advice changes, cancellation policies may be covered by travel insurance. Some policies do offer coverage for natural disasters, so it’s best to check with your insurer or travel agent for details.
Recovery efforts and government response
Recovery efforts are well underway, with local authorities urging residents and businesses to report any damages. The Lanzarote Cabildo, regional government, and Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros are evaluating what support can be provided.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Arrecife has called for long-term preventive measures to avoid future flooding. He stressed the importance of improving drainage systems, especially in the ravines surrounding the city. However, there has been significant criticism of the city council, with many residents claiming that the lack of action over the years contributed to the severity of the flood. The mayor has acknowledged these concerns and pledged to address the infrastructure issues moving forward.
Also read: Storm Olivier