UPDATE: |Hotels forced to close in Lanzarote following floods News

Several hotels have temporarily closed in the town of Teguise after floods swept through the area over the weekend

Several hotels have been forced to close in Costa Teguise on Lanzarote’s east coast after flooding swept through the island over the weekend. Flood waters have resulted in damage to properties with hotel guests moved to temporary accommodation.

It comes during a key tourist period for the Canary Islands with holidaymakers descending upon the Spanish archipelago for the Easter break.

According to Canarian Weekly, HD Beach Resort & Spa Lanzarote is among the worst affected as “floodwaters from a nearby ravine surged through the hotel, forcing an immediate shutdown.”

The news site reports that the hotel has brought forward scheduled renovation works in response to the damage.

Paradisus by Meliá Salinas Lanzarote, a five-star hotel, was forced to close temporarily. Guests were moved to the Sol Meliá in Puerto del Carmen, resulting in “minimal disruption”.

Canarian Weekly also reports that Apartamentos Trébol sustained substantial damage and is not expected to reopen until June 1.

Some complexes have suffered from flood-related damage but continue to operate partially, including Santa Rosa and Sands Beach, while repairs take place.

Rita Hernández, deputy mayor of Teguise, said that the local government is actively responding to the situation.

She said: “We will take action as soon as we know exactly what needs to be done.” She added that the municipality’s technical office is currently assessing the extent of the damage and planning appropriate interventions.

Alejandro Domínguez from the trade union Comisiones Obreras in Lanzarote, confirmed to Canarian Weekly that affected hotels are considering temporary employment regulation measures (ERTE) during the repair period.

According to reports efforts are being made at HD Beach Resort to retain workers on-site or temporarily reassign them to another hotel in Playa Blanca.

Arrecife, Teguise and San Batolome were hit by torrential rain on Saturday, April 12 resulting in flooding. At 4pm local time the Canary Islands government declared a state of emergency which was then lifted at 7am local time on Sunday April 13.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office issued guidance for British travellers impacted by the floods.

The current advice states: “Heavy rainfall and flooding in Lanzarote occurred over the weekend. Journeys may be affected.

“If you are in Lanzarote or travelling to Lanzarote, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local weather updates.”

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