A volcanic drill in Tenerife is scheduled by the Island Government, the Cabildo de Tenerife, for September 2025.
The volcanic drill in Tenerife has been planned in Garachico due to its symbolic and strategic significance. This area holds a special place in Tenerife’s volcanic history, having suffered the devastating effects of an eruption in 1706 that altered the island’s history.
European Safety Standards
The government highlights the importance of involving local, regional, and national organizations, as well as the active participation of the public, to ensure the success of this volcanic prevention exercise. Cabildo president Rosa Dávila met with a delegation from the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism to discuss the initial steps in planning a volcanic drill in Garachico in September 2025. Part of the EU-Modex project, this exercise will assess and strengthen Tenerife’s response to a potential volcanic crisis in alignment with European safety standards.
European Standards and Delegation
A European delegation with representatives from Romania, Italy, Sweden, Austria, and Ireland will coordinate the exercise, which includes a simulated evacuation in a neighborhood in Garachico. This large-scale drill allows Tenerife to assess its capabilities in a safe, realistic setting, testing organization, communication, and response in a volcanic eruption scenario. This exercise, supported by the European Commission, offers Tenerife the chance to align its preparations with European standards and measures to protect its residents effectively.
Collaboration and Joint Efforts
The drill will be prepared and monitored by the National Geographic Institute (IGN), the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the Canary Islands Volcanology Institute (INVOLCAN), the University of La Laguna (ULL), the Tenerife Fire Brigade (BRIFOR), the Military Emergency Unit (UME), and the Spanish Army.
The involvement of these entities and citizens who play an active role in communication and prevention is crucial to the drill’s success. Throughout the exercise week, informative activities will raise public awareness of the importance of preparedness and safety.
European Union
This drill underscores the importance of enhancing response plans on the island. It’s an invaluable opportunity to test Tenerife’s readiness and reinforce the response capabilities of teams and citizens in a volcanic crisis. The expertise of local and European experts enables the Tenerife government to collaborate, share knowledge, and tailor procedures to the local context.
Since 2001, the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated over 600 times, providing vital emergency assistance worldwide. In 2023, the mechanism supported responses to significant crises, including the earthquake in Turkey, wildfires in Chile and Greece, and floods in Italy, Libya, and Germany. Tenerife’s participation in the EU-Modex project allows it to incorporate European emergency standards into local volcanic crisis management, enhancing safety and preparedness across the island.
Diario de Tenerife © Photography
Volcanic grill in Tenerife ©
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