The Canary Islands Government, via the Directorate General for Emergencies, will activate an alert status as part of the Canary Islands Civil Protection Emergency Plan (PLATECA) on 12 June in Tenerife due to the visit of Pope Leo XIV.
This measure is being implemented in anticipation of a high influx of people and the potential impact on mobility during the scheduled events on the island. The activation is part of the preventive security and emergency arrangements designed to ensure the smooth running of the day.
Although the update to the PLATECA begins this Thursday at 8:00 AM due to events in Gran Canaria, in the case of Tenerife, the alert status will be in effect for Friday, coinciding with the Pope’s presence on the island.
Mobility and Concentration of People: The Main Risks
The risk assessment established by Emergency Services focuses on the concentration of people and the disruptions to mobility that the papal visit may cause.
During the day, extraordinary travel to the main event locations is expected, in addition to traffic closures, circulation restrictions, and adjustments in public transport and access to specific areas.
The Canary Islands Government deems it necessary to enhance surveillance and operational coordination to respond swiftly to any incidents that could affect public safety or the smooth execution of events.
Ongoing Monitoring of the Situation
The alert status of the PLATECA will enable the activation of the mechanisms established in the plan, including ongoing situational monitoring, incident tracking, and coordination among governmental administrations and emergency services.
The planning also includes establishing a Consultative Committee, which is part of the operational structure of the plan and can assist in decision-making during the implementation of the operation.
Recommendation: Avoid Other Events in the Vicinity
The Canary Islands Government recommends avoiding the organisation of concurrent activities or events in the vicinity of the scheduled functions in Tenerife.
This warning aims to prevent additional crowds and further complicate mobility in areas affected by the papal visit. It also seeks to facilitate the work of security, emergency, and transport services during a day of high attendance.
What is PLATECA?
The PLATECA is the Canary Islands Civil Protection Emergency Plan. Its purpose is to organise responses to risk or emergency situations that may impact the population, property, or essential services.
The activation of the alert status does not imply that an emergency has occurred, but rather that coordination and response capacity have been reinforced in anticipation of potential incidents.
Authorities stress the importance of planning travel ahead of time, consulting official information, and following the instructions of personnel involved in the operation.
