Tenerife to Conduct Major Volcanic Emergency Drill This Thursday

Tenerife is stepping up its emergency preparedness with a major volcanic drill, "VOLCANEX TENERIFE 2026," taking place this Thursday. Organized by the Tenerife Island Council, the exercise is designed to test how well civil protection teams can respond to a potential volcanic eruption, building on standards set by recent European safety initiatives. Given the island’s unique geography and population density, the drill aims to ensure a fast, high-tech, and well-coordinated response.

The operation will run from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., involving 1,500 people from 70 different organizations, including police, military, health services, and rescue teams. The drill is highly complex, featuring 28 simultaneous maneuvers. These include mock evacuations of residential areas like Chirche and Aripe, as well as clearing tourist spots and care facilities, such as the Las Terrazas de Abama hotel and the Hogar Santa Gema.

A key focus of the exercise is the use of modern technology. A fleet of 33 drones will monitor the situation from the air to assess damage and oversee evacuated zones. The drill will also test the "ES-ALERT" system, which sends mass notifications to mobile phones. Residents will receive three alerts throughout the day: one at 9:00 a.m. to announce the start of the drill, a second at 11:00 a.m. with specific evacuation instructions for the Guía de Isora area, and a final message at 2:00 p.m. to signal the end of the exercise.

Beyond logistics—such as transporting people with limited mobility—the Island Council is prioritizing clear communication. The drill aims to strengthen official information channels and combat misinformation, which is vital during real emergencies. Ultimately, the exercise will evaluate not only the emergency services' performance but also how the public responds to alerts, ensuring that all safety and registration protocols are ready for any future volcanic activity.