Tenerife conducts VOLCANEX 2026 volcanic eruption simulation

The Cabildo de Tenerife organized the VOLCANEX 2026 emergency drill on October 22, 2026, to test response protocols for a hypothetical volcanic eruption. The exercise, which took place between 07:00 and 14:00, involved over 1,500 participants from approximately 70 organizations and services, including the use of 33 drones.

The simulation focused on the Guía de Isora, Santiago del Teide, and Adeje municipalities, specifically targeting the high-threat area of Las Cumbres de Abeque. The drill included the simulated preventive evacuation of 300 residents, a hotel, and a senior center.

A key component of the exercise was the testing of the ES-Alert system, which sent simulated emergency notifications to mobile phones across the island. These messages, marked with the word “PRUEBA” (TEST), informed users of a simulated orange volcanic risk level. This year's drill also incorporated the tourism sector, involving maneuvers in areas with high hotel density to coordinate between various administrations and emergency services.