Tenerife Hosts Groundbreaking Volcanic Eruption Drill to Bolster Emergency Response Capabilities

In a significant step towards improving emergency management, the municipality of Garachico recently conducted a large-scale volcanic eruption drill. This event marks a crucial development in Spain’s approach to disaster preparedness, particularly in regions vulnerable to volcanic activity.

Massive Participation in a Pioneering Emergency Exercise

The drill was part of the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism, known as EU-MODEX, and it attracted over 1,000 responders from various national and international agencies. The primary objective of this exercise was to evaluate and enhance readiness for a potential volcanic crisis, thereby reinforcing Tenerife’s status as a leader in volcanic risk management.

Rosa Dávila, the President of the Cabildo, expressed her satisfaction with the drill’s outcomes, highlighting that the objectives were met successfully. She noted that this event signifies a major milestone in emergency management, fostering trust and collaboration among local, national, and European teams. Dávila pointed out the ambitious nature of the deployment, which showcased the island’s ability to coordinate a comprehensive response to volcanic emergencies effectively.

Thorough Analysis and Future Enhancements Planned

In the aftermath of the drill, Dávila announced plans for an extensive technical evaluation of the data collected during the exercise. This analysis aims to pinpoint strengths, identify areas for improvement, and suggest operational enhancements. The findings will not only be integrated into the Cabildo’s operational plans but will also be shared with relevant institutions at both the island and national levels, as well as with European agencies involved in disaster management.

Bogdan Pop, President of the EU-MODEX LOT 4 Consortium, commended the organization and execution of the drill, describing the planning process as both challenging and rewarding. He emphasized that the lessons learned from this experience would significantly contribute to improved preparedness for future emergencies.

Blanca Pérez, the Councillor for Security and Emergencies, praised all participants for their effective response capabilities. She reiterated the commitment to ensuring the safety of Tenerife’s population, emphasizing that the drill demonstrated a heightened state of readiness for emergencies of this nature.

Engaging Scenarios and Interagency Cooperation

The EU MODEX Tenerife 2025 volcanic risk exercise featured an impressive array of 13 complex technical scenarios, which were executed both in the field and through tabletop simulations. These scenarios spanned an area of approximately 30 square kilometers in Garachico and took place from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Among the scenarios were mass evacuations, secondary incidents such as gas leaks, and the search for missing persons. The exercises also prioritized the care of individuals with reduced mobility and the evacuation of animals, ensuring that all aspects of a volcanic crisis were considered. These activities allowed for a comprehensive assessment of interoperability among various institutions and security agencies, as well as the effectiveness of established emergency protocols.

A significant advancement during the drill was the activation of the ES-ALERT system, an official emergency communication tool designed to send direct messages to residents’ mobile phones during crises. This system is expected to enhance communication and information dissemination during emergencies, thereby improving overall public safety.

The drill saw participation from a diverse range of agencies, including the Military Emergency Unit (UME), the Tenerife Fire Consortium, Civil Guard, National Police, Canary Police, Civil Protection, Red Cross, local volunteers, and scientific organizations such as the National Geographic Institute (IGN) and the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute (Involcan). European observers and technicians also contributed their expertise under the EU-MODEX framework, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the exercise.

This exercise is part of the European Union’s broader strategy to enhance cooperation and preparedness for natural disasters. It contributes to the establishment of international standards in volcanic risk management, ultimately aiming to protect communities at risk from volcanic activity.

Key points

• The volcanic eruption drill took place in Garachico, Spain, as part of the EU-MODEX initiative.
• Over 1,000 responders participated in the exercise, testing emergency readiness.
• The drill included 13 complex technical scenarios over a 30 square kilometer area.
• Rosa Dávila emphasized the importance of the event in strengthening emergency management.
• The ES-ALERT system was activated to improve communication during emergencies.
• Collaboration among various agencies was crucial for the success of the drill.
• The exercise aims to enhance preparedness for volcanic crises in Tenerife and beyond.