Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Severe Flooding in Lanzarote: State of Emergency Lifted

4/15/2025

39 3

Summary

Story summary

Lanzarote, Spain, was hit hard by severe flooding, leading to a state of emergency declared on April 12. While the emergency has since been lifted, travelers are urged to stay vigilant. Many hotels experienced power outages, and vital roads remain closed. The UK Foreign Office recommends keeping a close eye on local updates and weather alerts.

History

Historical Context

Lanzarote's recent flooding echoes past natural disasters that have devastated regions worldwide. Notably, the 1975 Banqiao Dam failure in China caused catastrophic flooding, resulting in up to 240,000 deaths. Such incidents highlight the vulnerability of infrastructure to extreme weather events, emphasizing the need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies to mitigate future crises in vulnerable areas like Lanzarote.

1 of 2

Story summary

Lanzarote, Spain, was hit hard by severe flooding, leading to a state of emergency declared on April 12. While the emergency has since been lifted, travelers are urged to stay vigilant. Many hotels experienced power outages, and vital roads remain closed. The UK Foreign Office recommends keeping a close eye on local updates and weather alerts.

1 / 2