Lanzarote is recovering from heavy rains that struck the island this weekend, causing significant flooding. Homes have been inundated and roads have been transformed into rivers of mud. The Canarian Government’s General Directorate of Security and Emergencies lifted the emergency status early this morning, reporting over three hundred incidents across Arrecife and Costa Teguise. Measures are now underway to clear the roads of mud and ensure public safety.

Enrique Espinosa, manager of the Consortium of Security and Emergencies in Lanzarote, confirmed that the rainfall caught many residents off guard, with over sixty litres of rain falling in less than two hours in some areas. The mayor of Arrecife, Yonathan de León, announced an ongoing assessment to declare a disaster zone, which would enable residents to access necessary aid.

Emergency services have assisted a number of individuals injured due to slips and falls during the heavy rain. Firefighters have also responded to numerous incidents, such as flooded garages and homes. In total, over thirty incidents were reported in Arrecife alone, with similar troubles occurring in Teguise.

The sudden flood has raised concerns among local authorities, as many believe that more could have been done to prepare for the storm. Criticism has been directed towards the response time of the alert system, which many feel was insufficient given the intensity of the rainfall. Calls for improved emergency management have emerged as a vital point for future safety protocols.