Garachico Strengthens Community Resilience Through Volcanic Eruption Simulation

This past Friday, the picturesque municipality of Garachico in Tenerife took a proactive step in enhancing its emergency preparedness by hosting a significant volcanic eruption simulation known as EU MODEX Tenerife 2025. This event was not merely a one-day exercise; it was preceded by an entire week dedicated to training local residents and rehearsing emergency response protocols tailored for potential volcanic threats. The initiative underscores the community’s commitment to safety and readiness in the face of natural disasters.

Goals and Aspirations of the Simulation

The primary objective of the simulation was to equip the local community with vital skills necessary for effective response during emergencies. By engaging in realistic scenarios, participants were able to practice their responses and learn the appropriate actions to take in hazardous situations. The exercise served as a model for the rest of the island, aiming to raise awareness and improve overall community resilience against volcanic threats.

During the simulation, approximately 200 residents were evacuated from their homes, and a multi-casualty incident was staged. This scenario showcased emotional scenes involving injured individuals and their families, as well as search operations for missing persons. To further enhance preparedness, evacuation kits containing essential items were distributed to around one hundred residents, emphasizing the need for swift and efficient action in the face of natural disasters. The distribution of these kits highlighted the importance of being well-prepared and informed about what to do in an emergency.

Insights from Participants

Lidia, a student enrolled in the Emergency Coordination and Civil Protection course at IES Los Gladiolos, participated in the simulation as a resident who was forced to evacuate her home after receiving a warning over the loudspeaker. Following the instructions provided, she reported to the police and learned that she would likely be directed to a shelter. This hands-on experience allowed her to grasp the complexities involved in emergency evacuations.

Reflecting on her experience, Lidia noted that participants were encouraged to bring essential items and important documents, including identification cards and property deeds. While she found the exercise to be a valuable learning opportunity, she also expressed that it felt somewhat disorganized at times. As this was her first real exposure to such a situation, she acknowledged that some level of confusion is typical in a learning environment. Lidia hopes that future exercises will see improvements in organization, allowing participants to gain even more from the experience.

Community Perspectives and Reactions

Carmen, a long-time resident of Garachico, shared her thoughts on the simulation, stating that she found it to be immensely beneficial. She believes that such exercises are crucial in preventing the improvisation that occurred during the La Palma eruption four years ago. Having participated in preparatory workshops, Carmen feels more informed about how to respond in a crisis and understands the resources available from various security and emergency services, including the Civil Guard and Police.

Earlier in September, Carmen attended training sessions focused on volcanic emergencies and fires, during which she received an evacuation kit that contained essential items for a quick exit, such as medication and personal documentation. Although she acknowledged a degree of anxiety among residents regarding potential volcanic activity, she confirmed that there was no widespread alarm. Carmen did express concerns about the scale of the operation during the simulation, hoping that a real emergency would not lead to severe congestion on the roads. Nonetheless, she reiterated the importance of initiatives like this for preparing the community and fostering awareness of the need for readiness.

Reflections from Local Officials

The Mayor of Garachico, Heriberto González, highlighted the exercise as a significant challenge that tested both the community and various emergency services. He noted the importance of collaboration with residents, particularly addressing the concerns of elderly individuals who had more questions about the evacuation process. González emphasized that the community is increasingly aware of the importance of preparedness, stating, “We want to handle any eruption properly and create useful learning experiences not just for Garachico, but for the entire island and even for the Canary Islands.” His commitment to fostering a culture of preparedness reflects a broader understanding of the potential risks posed by volcanic activity in the region.

Key points

• Garachico conducted a volcanic eruption simulation called EU MODEX Tenerife 2025.
• The event aimed to prepare residents for potential volcanic emergencies.
• Approximately 200 residents were evacuated during the exercise.
• Evacuation kits were distributed to around one hundred participants.
• Community members expressed both anxiety and appreciation for the training.
• The Mayor emphasized the importance of preparedness for future volcanic activity.
• Participants reported mixed experiences regarding the organization of the drill.