Tenerife to Host Large-Scale Volcanic Emergency Drill in October 2026
Tenerife has launched the "VOLCANEX 2026" initiative, featuring a large-scale volcanic emergency drill and month-long public education campaign to enhance island-wide disaster preparedness.
Volcanic risk management in the Canary Islands is advancing with the launch of "VOLCANEX Tenerife 2026." Led by the Cabildo of Tenerife and the Guía de Isora City Council, this initiative will culminate in a large-scale emergency drill on October 22. The exercise is designed to test response protocols and improve coordination between emergency services and government agencies during a potential eruption.
The drill, which activates the Guía de Isora Municipal Emergency Plan (PEMU), is about more than just testing equipment. Building on a similar exercise held in Garachico in 2025, authorities aim to create a unified strategy that covers emergency response, public health, and transportation. The project is backed by scientific expertise from the University of La Laguna and the Volcanological Institute of the Canary Islands (INVOLCAN).
Beyond the drill itself, the program includes a full month of educational activities. Residents can participate in training sessions on creating family emergency plans, packing "go-bags," and learning first aid. Schools will also be involved through exhibitions, documentaries, and the RESECAN project, which introduces students to seismic monitoring.
To better understand how prepared the community is, officials have launched the VIVOLCÁN survey to gauge public risk perception. Additionally, a technical seminar will address often-overlooked practical concerns, such as insurance coverage and the protection of important documents. By involving the public in these preparations, the Cabildo of Tenerife hopes to make disaster readiness a standard part of daily life, ensuring that residents are active participants in the island’s safety.