On April 9, the sea devastated some walls and promenades on the coast of Lanzarote. The strong waves caused havoc in towns such as Playa Honda, in Arrieta and in Arrecife, accompanied by a strong wind that also generated destruction in Tahíche or Famara.
This same Thursday, the City Council of San Bartolomé reported that the reconstruction work of the spaces affected by the storm had been completed urgently, including the fall of a wall in Playa Honda. However, after more than two months, the promenade of the Muelle Comercial, in Arrecife, frequented daily by residents of the island and cruise passengers, is still destroyed.
It only takes a few minutes of walking to start seeing how part of the walls closest to the coastline have collapsed due to the force of the sea, and even, in some cases, the upper part that covers them has disappeared.
As you advance to the Commercial pier, where groups of children meet in the afternoons, you can see the worst effects of the waves. Large pieces of raised piche, holes in the ground, collapsed walls and uncollected stones covering the entire promenade.
There are no fences or signs prohibiting access, nor warning tapes to prevent passers-by from approaching the rubble and suffering an accident.
The coastal strip between La Bufona, at the southern entrance of Arrecife, and the Islote del Francés is recognized by the Government of the Canary Islands as one of the places "of high risk" due to the rise of the sea. The report Pime Adapta Costas states that the section of coast, which extends for 2.7 kilometers, will be affected by the rise of the sea and warns of the risks for the "maritime front" of Arrecife, its urban and economic fabric, promenades, beaches and heritage assets.
This same document, which dates from 2022, entrusts the island's administrations to carry out "a detailed assessment of the possible effects" on the Port of Arrecife.
