Tenerife to Host Large-Scale Volcanic Eruption Simulation in 2026

Natural disaster management in the Canary Islands is becoming increasingly sophisticated. On October 22, the Tenerife municipality of Guía de Isora will host "VOLCANEX Tenerife 2026," a large-scale simulation designed to test how authorities would respond to a volcanic eruption in the high-risk Las Cumbres de Abeque area.

The exercise will involve over 1,200 people, including scientists, emergency responders, government officials, and community representatives. This drill aims to address specific shortcomings identified during the EU MODEX 2025 exercise in Garachico, where reports highlighted a need for better coordination between agencies, improved management of tourists, and clearer protocols for temporary housing. This new simulation will be particularly challenging due to the region's rugged terrain and scattered population, which stretches from the coast to the mid-altitude highlands.

The drill will feature several complex scenarios, including evacuating a nursing home, relocating livestock, and protecting essential infrastructure. Organizers will also introduce realistic complications, such as residents refusing to leave their homes and the discovery of unregistered, vulnerable individuals, both of which often overwhelm emergency services during actual crises.

A key focus of this exercise is the use of modern technology. Beyond deploying drones and the ES-Alert mobile warning system, organizers have created a scenario to test how authorities handle the spread of rumors and misinformation. In today’s world, managing public communication is just as vital to safety as the physical logistics of an evacuation. Ultimately, this drill serves as a stress test for the island’s civil protection system, helping to identify and fix weaknesses before a real emergency occurs.