La Laguna to Serve as Primary Evacuation Hub in New Tenerife Emergency Plan

La Laguna is set to play a key role in Tenerife’s emergency response strategy. A new Municipal Emergency Plan (PEMU), drafted by the University of La Laguna’s Chair for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilient Cities, designates the municipality as a primary reception area for evacuees should a volcanic eruption occur on the island. The plan, which is expected to be approved in April, integrates La Laguna into the island-wide action network by establishing a system of primary and secondary shelters for displaced residents.

Work on this updated framework began in April 2025 to ensure the city is better prepared for the challenges of climate change. Lead researcher Abel López explained that the plan goes beyond meeting current legal requirements; it also anticipates how climate change might increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters. The project will now move into a consultation phase, involving workshops with security forces, the Military Emergencies Unit (UME), and local neighborhood groups to address risks such as flooding, landslides, and severe coastal weather.

Technically, the plan relies on Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, which allows officials to visualize risks and make data-driven decisions during a crisis. Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez noted that this technology ensures the City Council and security agencies can work together effectively and stay at the forefront of emergency management.

Ultimately, the PEMU fulfills the legal requirement for local authorities to protect citizens from both natural and man-made threats. By providing a clear, executive summary of emergency protocols, the plan ensures that officials can act quickly when needed. This collaboration between the university and the Department of Citizen Security establishes a vital roadmap for protecting residents and critical infrastructure, cementing La Laguna’s position as a cornerstone of Tenerife’s civil protection system.