Garachico became the epicenter of a large volcanic eruption drill in Tenerife, an unprecedented exercise in Spain designed to test protocols, coordination and citizen response to a realistic eruptive scenario, reinforcing the culture of volcanic riskThe day, integrated into the European program EU-Modex, mobilized institutions, emergency services and the scientific community.
The operation was planned to verify that the island has clear procedures and well-oiled machinery In the face of a volcanic risk, evacuations, lockdowns, shelter management, closure of sensitive areas, and official communications were tested without causing alarm, with the premise that there was no real danger.
Alerts and exercise schedule
The day started at 8:00 with the activation of the device and, as planned, the system ES-Alert sent sequenced alerts to cell phones so that the population could receive alerts: 09:00 to begin the evacuation in Garachico, 09:20 to inform the entire island, 12:00 confinement in El Tanque and 13:00 end of the lockdown in El Tanque and the evacuation in Garachico. The exercise concluded at 14:00.
These notices, accompanied by a beep and vibration, they reminded everyone at all times that it was a simulation, asking citizens to remain calm and not call 112 unless necessary. At the same time, a mock press conference to report on the progress of the operation and resolve any queries.
El Island Action Plan against Volcanic Risk It was activated in the pre-alert phase, implying preventive closures of access to Teide, Teno Rural Park, forest crown, tracks and trails, as well as the prohibition of hunting activities during the test.
The volcanic traffic light of the scenario evolved from yellow to red during the simulation, marking the progression from enhanced monitoring to the fictitious emergency situation in which protective measures were applied to the population.
The simulated volcanic scenario
The fictitious eruption was located in Trevejo (Black Sands), an area with historical antecedents due to the 1706 event that destroyed the old port of Garachico. At 10:00, the model contemplated a 8 km ash column whose dispersion, dependent on the wind, affected mainly the south of the island.
The flow descended rapidly towards the cliff above the village, reached the sea around noon and began to form a lava delta. Although the scenario included previous seismic swarms, No earthquakes were recorded that could be felt by the population. During the simulated eruptive phase, the main impact was on air quality in specific areas.
As part of the exercise narrative, they were rehearsed air traffic disruptions for ash, slope stability assessments and ground-level volcanic gas monitoring, including SO2 and fine particles.
The execution was also carried out preventive safeguarding of assets of cultural interest by the UME, moving them to safe locations, in line with heritage protocols in the face of volcanic risk.
EU-Modex Operation and Coordination
Participated More than 1.000 effective Civil Guard, National Police, Local Police, Firefighters, forest agents, Red Cross and specialized units, under the coordination of Advanced Command installed in the port of Garachico. There was international observers and external evaluation within the framework of EU-Modex.
The scientific-technical component was supported by CSIC, IGN and InvolcanThe CSIC activated its GADE (Disaster and Emergency Advisory Group) to connect field data with rapid reporting; the IGME-CSIC deployed lava flow mapping and drones, the IEO‑CSIC monitored the marine environment and monitored gaseous emissions, air quality and potential environmental impacts.
At the old dock they mounted Red Cross tents for the registration and support of evacuees, while volunteer teams and municipal staff reinforced logistics, shelters, and social care. Public monitoring was offered by streaming and screens in Lovers' Square.
- Coordination and management in the WFP
- Safeguarding the Convent of San Francisco
- escape from ammonia in cold storage
- </strong>Search for financing, franchise acquisition in foreign markets desaparecido in a ravine
- Evacuation of person with reduced mobility
- Reconnaissance and search
- Measure volcanic gases
- Essential basic services
- Evacuation of senior center
- Evacuation of from? and volunteer point
- Evacuation of nonresidents
- Coordination of drones
La Island Directorate previously distributed backpacks of family evacuation kit to neighbors participating in the training sessions: flashlight, thermal blanket, battery-powered radio, document holder, and basic supplies for an orderly outing.
Simulated impact and attention to citizens
The balance of the rehearsed scenario left 200 people evacuated to the shelter located in the Municipal Pavilion, 188 homes destroyed by the wash and 750 inhabitants affected. No real victims were counted and only those treated were minor injuries due to a simulated traffic accident during the transfer.
In El Tanque it was ordered preventive confinement due to poor air quality (ash and SO2). NBC equipment from the Civil Guard (Guardia Civil)Firefighters and scientists took measurements with fixed and mobile sensors, while drones monitored the progress of lava flows and plumes.
The was rehearsed pet evacuation, the rescue of hikers surprised by the eruption and the health and psychosocial care to evacuated people. In addition, it was decreed water emergency simulated due to supply problems in Garachico, Los Silos and Buenavista.
The authorities insisted that the choice of the northwest of the island is due to the fact that it is a area of ​​greatest volcanic risk (Garachico, El Tanque, Santiago del Teide, GuÃa de Isora, among others). According to statistical projections by Involcan, the island must prepare and strengthen their risk culture.
At the close of the operation, the island presidency stressed that the response was effective and improvable Thanks to the lessons learned from the day. The international assessment by EU-Modex and the scientific and technical reports will allow us to adjust protocols, communications, and logistics so that, if a real crisis ever occurs, Tenerife has clear instructions, strong coordination and protective capacity to citizenship.
