The rupture of a sewage pipe recorded this Wednesday on Tajaraste street, in Argana Alta, caused moments of great tension among residents and forced the intervention of the Consortium of Security and Emergencies of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, in addition to the Local Police of Arrecife.
According to the Consortium, the breakdown generated strong pressure that propelled the sewage water to a great height. The wind displaced the water to the rooftops of two nearby buildings, where it began to filter inside.
The personnel waited for the pipe to lose pressure to be able to safely access the rooftop of a building located at Campoamor street, number 12. There they verified that the water was descending through the stairwell because the downpipes were obstructed by solid waste from the sewage. After removing the drain covers, they managed to evacuate the accumulated water.
Subsequently, they inspected the affected homes and verified that there was hardly any water left inside, except in a home located on Folías street, where the sewage reached the cistern.
Meanwhile, the Local Police remained in the area trying to find accommodation for the affected people, while workers proceeded to fence off the area to ensure safety.
"It looked like an earthquake"
One of the residents recounted to La Voz de Lanzarote the moments of anguish experienced during the incident.
"I heard noises, it sounded like an earthquake. I looked out and couldn't see anything, and suddenly, the road burst and a fountain of water came out," he explained.
The resident assured that the first thing he did was to notify the Local Police upon realizing the magnitude of the incident.
He also indicated that the explosion lifted stones from the ground, one of which hit a window of his home. "Luckily it didn't break the glass, but for safety, I moved away," he pointed out.
The causes of the pipe rupture have not yet been disclosed. Emergency services coordinated the action until the situation was controlled and the damage caused by the breakdown was minimized.