The Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa has activated the ALERT status of the Insular Territorial Emergency Plan (PEIN) from 00:00 hours this Wednesday, November 11, until 00:00 hours on Thursday, the 12th, due to adverse weather phenomena associated with the passage of the high-impact storm Charles through the Canary Islands area.
The decision responds to communications from the Directorate General of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands, which maintains the alert for coastal phenomena and strong winds, as well as the pre-alert for rain in Lanzarote, La Graciosa, and Fuerteventura.
According to meteorological forecasts, a worsening of sea conditions is expected, with waves that could reach between 3 and 4 meters, a swell from the northwest, and force 7 winds from the southwest, with locally very intense gusts. Likewise, rainfall is expected that could locally reach 15 millimeters per hour, with the possibility of intense showers, water accumulation, and runoff.
Given this situation, the Presidency's resolution establishes various preventive measures to minimize risks and ensure citizen safety.
Measures in educational centers
In the educational field, the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity and Sports of the Government of the Canary Islands has decreed that the teaching activity this Wednesday, November 11, will be carried out remotely in the educational centers of La Graciosa, following the indications of the Directorate General of Emergencies due to the alert for coastal phenomena. The activity will be carried out non-in-person in those teachings that allow it.
For its part, in Lanzarote, the Cabildo's resolution proposes the suspension of teaching and extracurricular activities in the single-teacher schools of Muñique, Tao, Soo, and La Caleta de Famara, in the municipality of Teguise, as well as in the single-teacher school of El Cuchillo, in Tinajo.
Likewise, it is recommended to suspend public sports, recreational, and outdoor leisure activities in the towns of Muñique, Tao, Soo, La Caleta de Famara, and El Cuchillo, as well as throughout the territorial area of La Graciosa.
Closure of beaches and recommendations for nautical activities
As a measure to protect bathers in bathing areas, the hoisting of the red flag is established on the beaches of the northern, western, and southern areas of Lanzarote, as well as on all beaches of La Graciosa. During the alert, swimming in these areas will be prohibited.
The mooring of the fishing fleet in the northern, western, and southern areas of Lanzarote and in La Graciosa is also recommended, as well as avoiding all nautical activities on both islands.
The Cabildo calls on public and private organizations and institutions to exercise extreme caution and adopt the necessary measures to prevent the risks arising from the predicted meteorological phenomena.
Essential services and prevention measures
The resolution also establishes that the public services of the Cabildo must remain fully operational, guaranteeing compliance with the minimum services established due to the general strike called for this Wednesday, November 11.
In the case of the Consortium for Safety, Emergencies, Rescue, Prevention, and Fire Extinguishing of Lanzarote, as it is an essential public service, a minimum of 90% of the staff is set to guarantee its operability and attention to possible incidents.
From the island institution, the population is recommended to avoid approaching the coast, especially piers, breakwaters, promenades, and areas exposed to waves; not to engage in sports or recreational activities at sea and to secure boats and any items susceptible to being moved by the wind.
Given the forecast of rain, it is advisable to avoid unnecessary travel, not to park vehicles in ravine beds, to check the drains and downspouts of homes, and not to cross flooded roads or paths. It is also recommended to avoid outdoor activities, hiking, and cycling on island roads while the risk situation persists.
The Cabildo reminds that, in case of any emergency, citizens should call 112 and stay informed through official channels and the media, following the instructions of the authorities at all times.
The island institution will continue to monitor the meteorological evolution and the instructions of the Directorate General of Emergencies to adopt the measures that are necessary depending on the situation.
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