The president of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, emphasised on Wednesday that there is no scientific evidence indicating a forthcoming eruption on the island, and announced that in September , a Garachico will host a volcanic emergency response drill in collaboration with the Civil Protection system of the European Union.
During a press conference following the Insular Government Council meeting, Rosa Dávila referred to the extraordinary gathering of the Volcanic Surveillance Committee, where she conveyed “a message of calm and assurance to the entire population”, guaranteeing that there would be increased monitoring of activity surrounding the Teide.
“At this moment, there is no scientific evidence suggesting an imminent eruption, either in the short or medium term,” as the activities observed are typical phenomena in an active volcanic region, Dávila continued, specifying that in Tenerife, science “is our principal ally.”
The island boasts a robust scientific monitoring network that operates continuously to ensure safety and has established that, thanks to the expertise of specialists and advanced technology, “we can promise that any significant changes will be detected well in advance to implement the necessary measures.”
In this context, she highlighted how the Volcanological Institute of the Canary Islands (Involcan), the National Geographic Institute, and IGME monitor seismic, volcanic, and geothermal activity in Teide and throughout the archipelago in real-time.
These organisations utilise cutting-edge detection systems that permit precise analysis of any subterranean changes and facilitate an immediate response to any eventualities, Dávila added.
Additionally, the Cabildo de Tenerife collaborates with scientific teams and emergency systems, including the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government, in a joint endeavour that ensures “we are prepared for any scenario, with clear and effective protocols.”
Hence, she insisted that the surveillance agencies, in conjunction with the Special Civil Protection Plan and Emergency Care for Volcanic Risk of the Canary Islands (Pevolca), are fully operational and dedicated to the safety of the public.
Why Garachico
Regarding the volcanic emergency response drill in the municipality of Garachico, the president of the council stated that it forms part of the Eu-Modex international project, aimed at assessing and enhancing Tenerife’s ability to respond to potential volcanic crises.
Garachico was selected as the drill venue due to its historical significance regarding the island’s volcanic activity, particularly because of the eruption in 1706, which altered the geography and economy of the municipality.
The drill will involve participation from scientific and emergency organisations such as Involcan, the National Geographic Institute (IGN), CSIC, the University of La Laguna, the Military Emergency Unit (UME), the Earth Army and the Tenerife Firefighters Consortium.
Furthermore, international delegations from countries including Romania, Italy, Sweden, Austria, and Ireland will collaborate, with their representatives playing a crucial role in coordinating and evaluating the exercise.
This multinational approach will facilitate knowledge sharing and allow for the adaptation of European response protocols to the local conditions of Tenerife, thereby increasing the effectiveness of emergency plans.
Overview of the Drill
A key feature of the drill will be executing a preventive evacuation in a neighbourhood of Garachico to assess the emergency response capabilities of both the emergency services and the civilian population.
During that week, information sessions will be conducted for the local populace to raise awareness of the significance of prevention and preparedness.
The active participation of residents will be essential to simulate authentic scenarios and enhance communication and organisational strategies during risk situations, stated Rosa Dávila, for whom this initiative represents a unique opportunity to integrate European standards in volcanic emergency management on the island.
The Civil Protection mechanism of the European Union, which has engaged in worldwide emergencies such as earthquakes, wildfires, and floods, supports this initiative. According to the island´s institution, the accumulated experience from these interventions will enable Tenerife to ensure its population’s safety and promote continuous learning in managing natural crises.
Additionally, concerning the location of the National Volcanology Centre, Rosa Dávila emphasised that there is a consensus with the Palma Cabildo regarding the co-location of the headquarters shared between that island and Tenerife, irrespective of the location of the administrative headquarters.
On this matter, they have “closed ranks” to prevent any dispute from necessitating that this centre be located outside the Canary Islands, Dávila asserted.
