Santa Cruz de Tenerife 23 Jan (Europa Press) –
The Scientific Committee for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Volcanic Phenomena (CCES) in the Canary Islands, which convened on Wednesday in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has concluded that the likelihood of a short-term eruption in Tenerife has not increased. This assessment pertains to a timeframe of weeks or months. However, data gathered by researchers since 2016 underscores the necessity for enhanced surveillance and the fortification of monitoring systems.
During a press conference, the director of the Geographic Institute of the Canary Islands, Itahaiza Domínguez, remarked that “since 2016 there has been an uptick in seismic activity on the island of Tenerife.” In this period, they have also identified “five swarms of considerable magnitude in the western region of Las Cañadas,” alongside a slight rise in CO2 gas emissions in certain locations, particularly in the Teide crater.
Additionally, at a meeting on Thursday, all gathered information was shared with regional and island authorities, despite the fact that “currently, the odds of a short or medium-term eruption have not significantly increased in relation to weeks or months,” maintaining vigilance over the situation to adequately prepare for any “potential event.”
Dominguez highlighted the enhancements in control mechanisms over recent years, noting that they now possess a detection capability significantly superior to that of five or ten years ago.
The meeting was attended by experts from the General Emergency Department, the National Geographic Institute, the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain, the Oceanographic Institute, Aemet, CSIC, Involcan, and the two Public Universities of the Canary Islands, along with regional authorities, such as councillor Manuel Miranda, and island representatives, including Minister Blanca Pérez.