In the upcoming year, a groundbreaking simulation on volcanic risks is scheduled to take place in Tenerife as part of the European initiative EU Modex (European Union Civil Protection Mechanism). This initiative brings together a diverse group of international experts in disaster response, encompassing scenarios ranging from floods to fires, avalanches, and seismic activities.
The Cabildo of Tenerife announced on Saturday its leadership role in organising this cross-border exercise, aimed at evaluating the international team’s response capabilities on the island in the event of a major volcanic event.
Iván Martín, the Director of Security and Emergencies on the island, recently participated in the EU Modex exercises held by the European Union of Civil Protection in Bucharest, Romania.
The discussions at the meeting focused on assessing the response to a forest fire that occurred in Tenerife last year and its aftermath, as well as presenting the specifics of the Island Action Plan against Volcanic Risks (PAIV).
“Conducting an exercise in collaboration with Modex signifies Tenerife’s commitment to future preparedness. The security consortium, composed of various countries, will share their expertise, bringing together emergency response professionals, security experts, and specialists in geology, volcanology, engineering, and meteorology. This collective knowledge will be invaluable in addressing potential future risks,” highlighted Iván Martín.
He further explained that EU Modex streamlines the mobilisation of response teams and resources through the consortium, enabling rapid external assistance for countries in emergency situations.
Under the EU Modex system, countries can exchange insights, resources, and expertise to tackle emergencies, spanning natural disasters, industrial incidents, or health crises.
The forthcoming EU Modex exercises will focus on a forest fire drill in Wicklow, Ireland.
Subsequently, the European Union of Civil Protection will convene in Rome, Italy, and in Tenerife to plan upcoming editions with the consortium’s country representatives. Tenerife is set to host the meeting on volcanic risks next year, welcoming leaders from all participating European countries.
