Storm Therese batters Lanzarote coastline with major damage
Powerful waves generated by Storm Therese have caused serious damage along the coastline of Arrecife in Lanzarote, leaving promenades destroyed and coastal infrastructure badly affected.
Debris, broken walls and damaged paving stones were visible this morning (Friday) after the storm swept through the area. The impact has been particularly severe along exposed coastal stretches, with sections of seafront walkways left unusable.
The storm is one of the strongest of the season, and triggered yellow weather warnings for rough seas from earlier this week. Forecasters warned of waves reaching four to five metres, occasionally even higher.
These conditions coincided with high tide, increasing the risk of coastal flooding. Emergency services placed the island on pre-alert, with warnings remaining in place throughout Friday.
Local authorities have sent around 100 workers to deal with the damage and support residents. Repair work on the seafront began early, as crews worked to restore affected areas.
Several beaches, including El Reducto and La Arena, have suffered damage to access ramps, showers and facilities. Part of the La Pescadería pier has also been affected by the force of the waves.
In the town centre, police have cordoned off an area near a government building after sections of the façade fell onto the street. A stretch of the seafront road has been closed to traffic as a safety precaution.
This is not the first time Arrecife has suffered coastal damage, with similar destruction recorded in 2024. Experts warn that such events could become more frequent due to rising sea levels linked to climate change.
Projections suggest that sea levels in Arrecife could rise substantially over the coming decades, increasing the risk of coastal flooding and erosion. Studies indicate tens of thousands of people across the Canary Islands could be affected by the end of the century.
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