Tenerife Launches Emergency Training Drills for Volcanic and Heritage Protection
The Tenerife Island Council has announced two major emergency training exercises for the final quarter of the year, focusing on volcanic response coordination and the protection of cultural heritage.
Managing risk in a region with Tenerife’s unique geology and cultural history requires constant preparation. The Tenerife Island Council (Cabildo de Tenerife) has announced a roadmap for the final quarter of the year, featuring two major training exercises designed to improve how emergency services and local authorities work together.
The first exercise, scheduled for October 22, will take place in the southwest municipalities of Guía de Isora and Vilaflor. This is the most technically complex drill of the series and is designed to test the response to a potential volcanic reactivation. The primary goal is to refine evacuation procedures and coordinate security forces, including the National Police and Civil Guard, under the guidance of the regional government’s emergency services.
This initiative builds on previous drills, such as the one held last December in Garachico. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen public safety and ensure that civil protection protocols remain effective against the natural risks inherent to the volcanic archipelago.
The training cycle will conclude in November with a specialized exercise in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Because the city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this drill will focus on protecting cultural heritage. Authorities will practice specific tactics for rescuing and safeguarding artistic and historical assets during an emergency. Through these actions, local officials aim to protect both the public and the island’s irreplaceable heritage by ensuring seamless coordination between all agencies.