The Tenerife Island Council and Guía de Isora Town Hall have unveiled training and information activities planned for October, leading up to a volcanic drill scheduled for 22 October. This exercise will activate the Municipal Emergency Plan (PEMU), which is designed to streamline emergency responses, define procedures, and coordinate available resources.
This preparatory exercise, named VOLCANEX Tenerife 2026, has already begun, aiming to test coordination among various administrative bodies and emergency services involved in managing risks to public safety, as stated by the Council.
Iván Martín, the island’s director of Security and Emergencies, emphasised the importance of preparation in enhancing response capabilities. He noted that the drill will evaluate operational procedures on the ground and identify areas for improvement, while also informing citizens of the associated risks and actions they should take.
Blanca Pérez, the island councillor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, described prevention and self-protection as vital components of the emergency policy. She highlighted the goal of ensuring the public is informed and can act confidently in the event of a volcanic emergency.
This drill marks the second of its kind, following a 2025 exercise in Garachico. Pérez stated that lessons learned from Garachico will help improve coordination and planning for ongoing emergency preparedness efforts.
Eulalia García, the councillor for Mobility, stressed the need to factor mobility into emergency planning. She explained that it is crucial to anticipate transport logistics to ensure safe and orderly population movement, aiding emergency services during crises.
About the Drill
VOLCANEX Tenerife 2026 is a continuation of Garachico’s earlier exercise, facilitating further progress in emergency planning and citizen participation. The upcoming drill will deploy a simulated volcanic emergency scenario, evaluating the response capabilities of involved organisations and services.
In the lead-up to 22 October, Guía de Isora will host a range of activities aimed at educating residents and local services about emergency preparedness. The initiative seeks to foster a culture of prevention and enhance familiarity with the procedures outlined in the PEMU, featuring ten training and informational activities.
Planned Activities
Among the initiatives is a training programme by the Red Cross for families, covering topics such as creating personal safety plans and preparing emergency kits. Educational institutions will also participate, with students receiving first aid training and knowledge on emergency action.
The University of La Laguna will provide specialised training for municipal staff, volunteers, and public officials to strengthen decision-making and operational adherence to the PEMU.
The scientific community will contribute significantly, with the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute (INVOLCAN) involved in the drill’s scientific committee and hosting various public activities, including an exhibition from 19 to 22 October aimed at educating the public about volcanic heritage.
An educational programme titled “Canarias, una ventana volcánica” will run from 19 to 21 October, sharing scientific insights related to volcanoes. Additionally, the “Volcanes de Película” series will feature documentaries and public engagement activities.
Key initiatives also include the RESECAN project, promoting earthquake monitoring in schools, and an online survey, VIVOLCÁN, available from 5 to 21 October, designed to gauge local residents’ risk perception and preparedness.
Lastly, a workshop on preventative documentation and insurance coverage will involve various stakeholders, aimed at informing the public about safeguarding their documentation and assets during emergencies.
The Tenerife Island Council and Guía de Isora Town Hall encourage residents to take part in these upcoming activities and to follow guidance provided during the drill. They remind that prevention, training, and coordination are essential for enhancing emergency response capabilities and mitigating impacts.
