Tenerife Plans Largest Volcanic Emergency Drill Involving 1,000 Personnel

Tenerife is set to conduct its largest-ever volcanic emergency simulation from September 22 to 26, involving over 1,000 personnel from emergency services, scientific bodies, the military, and local authorities. The drill will focus on evacuation and communication strategies in high-risk areas such as Garachico, El Tanque, Santiago del Teide, and Guía de Isora, with residents and tourists receiving test alerts and some undergoing evacuation exercises. Despite a recent swarm of small earthquakes near Mount Teide, experts, including Lucca D’Auria of the Canary Islands Volcanology Institute, confirm these tremors are linked to the island’s hydrothermal system and not indicative of imminent magma movement or eruption. Island council president Rosa Dávila reassured the public that the drill is a precautionary measure meant to raise awareness and preparedness, emphasizing that Tenerife remains volcanically active but without any short- or medium-term eruption risk. The simulation is the first of its kind in Spain and aims to foster a culture of prevention, drawing parallels to similar exercises conducted in volcanic regions like Italy’s Stromboli and Sicily. Authorities urge visitors and residents to remain calm and view the drill as an important step in enhancing safety and emergency response readiness.