ES-Alert Test to Occur During Volcano Drill in Tenerife
The Canary Islands government is set to conduct a test of its emergency alert system, ES-Alert, this Thursday in Tenerife. The exercise aims to enhance public awareness of the alert system, following earlier drills in 2025.
The test is part of a larger volcanic risk simulation, VOLCANEX Tenerife 2026, organised by the Cabildo de Tenerife, taking place in Guía de Isora. The Centro Coordinador de Emergencias y Seguridad (CECOES) 112 will send out various alerts between 9:00 and 14:00. Residents may receive the alert immediately or once they re-enter their mobile coverage area. Phones that are switched off or in airplane mode will not receive the messages.
The first alert will target Tenerife but may also reach parts of Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, as well as local maritime channels. It will signal an “orange” volcanic alert under the Canary Islands’ emergency plan (PEVOLCA) but does not indicate an imminent eruption or require evacuation measures.
A subsequent alert will inform the residents of Guía de Isora and Santiago del Teide about a mock evacuation of the Chirche and Aripe areas. This message could also extend to Adeje, Los Silos, Buenavista del Norte, and El Tanque, along with certain sectors of the other islands mentioned.
If received outside the targeted area, the alert does not imply involvement in the exercise. Drivers are advised not to panic; they should safely stop to read and acknowledge the message on their phones, before it disappears.
It’s also recommended that relatives, especially elderly family members, be informed about the alert system beforehand to prevent unnecessary alarm. Alerts can be received in English if the mobile is set to a language other than Spanish.
How It Works
Most mobile phones with data capabilities can receive civil protection alerts if properly configured. Android devices from version 11 or iOS from version 15.6 automatically have this feature enabled. Users with older versions can check their settings at 112 Canarias.
These tests are announced in advance to minimise panic. All 4G and 5G mobile devices within the coverage area will receive a text saying “PRUEBA,” accompanied by a beep and vibration. Acknowledging the message will make it disappear; there is no need to respond or call 112.
Background
The ES-Alert system is already operational in the Canary Islands and was previously used during recent forest fires in La Palma and Tenerife. Continuous testing is conducted throughout the islands to ensure the public is familiar with the system.
ES-Alert is designed to issue warnings in emergencies such as wildfires, floods, volcanic eruptions, and severe weather, without requiring any application installation or registration. It provides essential self-protection instructions to those affected. This system complements traditional communication methods such as evacuation bulletins, media, social networks, and public address systems. More information is available on the 112 website.
