Lanzarote flooding UPDATES: Costa Teguise forced to temporary close hotels as Brits arrive for Easter weekend holiday

Over 200 incidents reported

The Canary Islands Government’s Security and Emergency Coordination Center recorded a total of 240 incidents , located in Teguise and Arrecife, mostly related to flooding in ground floors and garages. 

Four vehicles, two trailers, and five fire engines were deployed in addition to the firefighters’ own equipment in order to support pumping efforts.

'The rain took us by surprise'

Speaking on local radio about the torrential rainfall and the problems it caused, Costa Teguise mayor Olivia Duque detailed how bad things got at hotels such as the HD Beach Resort & Spa Hotel, which was one of the worst-affected.

She said: “The water entered the hotel from the back and exited via reception and smashed doors.

"The images were very dramatic. Hotel directors reacted very well. Everything was worse because the rain took us by surprise, there was nothing organised, nothing prepared.”

Hotel updates

One hotel guest has updated the holidaymakers on the situation.

According to Shaun Soloman, the hotels have cleaned most of the damage by now.

However, beaches and sea water might take longer to return to their previous condition.

Cars stranded on flooded roads

Dramatic footage circulating on social media revealed the extent of the damage after a large surge of floodwater flowed rapidly under a bridge, leaving cars stranded on flooded roads.

The Canaries are particularly vulnerable to floods when hit with intense rain, as their dry climate and volcanic rock mean the ground does not absorb large volumes of water well.

Affected hotels

The HD Beach Resort & Spa Lanzarote was one of the worst hit, with floodwaters from a nearby ravine rushing through the hotel and forcing an instant closure.

The owners have chosen to address the damage by moving forward with planned renovations. The hotel will remain closed until April 30.

Meliá Salinas Lanzarote's Paradisus was also affected and had to temporarily close until April 23.

To minimise any inconvenience to vacationers, guests were moved to Puerto del Carmen's Sol Meliá.

Meanwhile, Apartamentos Trébol suffered significant damage and won't reopen until June 1.

Other complexes, such as Sands Beach and Santa Rosa, reported damage from flooding, but they are still largely operational, with some areas blocked off while repairs are made.

'Come to Lanzarote they said ...'

Footage continues to circulate on social media highlighting the extent of the damage and chaos over the past few days.

Here's a post from @jeffgreen197:

Over 200 incidents reported

The Canary Islands Government's Security and Emergency Coordination Center recorded a total of 240 incidents , located in Teguise and Arrecife, mostly related to flooding in ground floors and garages. 

Four vehicles, two trailers, and five fire engines were deployed in addition to the firefighters’ own equipment in order to support pumping efforts.

Emergency response

Emergency services scrambled to rescue two minors and two adults trapped in a car.

Rescue workers also focused on clean-up efforts, tending to homes, garages, shops, and public centres which were completely flooded by accumulated water.

The emergency state has now been lifted and most of the response work has been completed, according to Spanish media.

Clean-up efforts

The official account of the Security and Emergency Department of the Canary Islands Government posted an update on the situation.

According to the post, the emergency workers continue pumping out efforts in affected areas.

In the morning, firefighters and the city council carried out water drainage works in a hotel complex in the Costa Teguise area.

Second downpour of the week

Saturday's downpour came just days after the island was hit by Storm Olivier.

On Wednesday, Lanzarote and Tenerife were battered by strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Several flights to and from Lanazrote airport were cancelled or diverted on Thursday due to dangerous flying conditions.

Two flights from Manchester, two from Gatwick, two from Bristol and one from each of Cardiff, Stanstead, Birmingham and Dublin and Bournemouth were diverted.

Horror footage

Footage, shared on social media platforms, shows the effects of the storm in Lanzarote.

In clips, cars can be seen stranded in water as rubbish bins get carried away by the strong current.

Mayor of Arrecife on taking precautionary actions

In response to the flooding, Mayor of Arrecife Jonathan de Leon has called on the Insular Water Council to channel the ravines on the city's outskirts.

He pointed out that the situation in Arrecife was caused by water that flowed down from Zonzamas and Montana Mina.

The mayor insisted that channeling the ravines, particularly in areas like Argana Alta, will prevent future incidents.

Tui update on holiday cancellations

Tui had to cancel 'a small number' of holiday as hotels deal with the flood's aftermath.

With some accommodations closing temporarily for repairs, holidaymakers have an option to re-book their vacation or cancel completely.

If cancelled, TUI promised to issue a full refund to customers.

TUI said: “If the new holiday you book is more expensive, you’ll receive a money saving incentive worth up to 10% of the value of the original holiday. If the new holiday is cheaper, then you’ll be refunded the difference.

“While the situation is beyond our control, we appreciate how disappointing this news will be.”

UK removes a travel warning

Foreign office has updated its travel advice to Lanzarote today, removing the warning.

The emergency state has been lifted on Sunday after the flood hit the island over the weekend.

The clean-up works have been underway to deal with the aftermath.

Some hotels have closed off until all repair works are complete.

Cars stranded on flooded roads

Dramatic footage circulating on social media has revealed the extent of the damage after a large surge of floodwater flowed rapidly under a bridge, leaving cars stranded on flooded roads.

The Canaries are particularly vulnerable to floods when hit with intense rain, as their dry climate and volcanic rock mean the ground does not absorb large volumes of water well.

Watch: animals ‘wet and scared’ as shelter appeals for help

An animal shelter on Lanzarote is appealing for help after the facility was flooded at the weekend.

The Sara Animal Shelter is asking locals to help with blankets, towels and mops.

Extent of the damage

Dramatic footage circulating on social media has revealed the extent of the damage after severe flooding.