Tenerife hosts Spain’s first large-scale volcanic eruption drill

Spanish authorities have launched the country’s first large-scale volcanic eruption drill on the island of Tenerife, titled ‘EU-Modex Tenerife 2026’. Held in the municipality of Garachico, the exercise involves approximately 1,000 participants, including local residents and personnel from various civil protection and security agencies.

A primary focus of the drill is communication and information dissemination, incorporating lessons learned from the 2021 Cumbre Vieja eruption on the neighboring island of La Palma. The exercise includes testing Spain’s official emergency warning system, which sends rapid alerts directly to citizens' mobile phones, and may involve simulated evacuation procedures.

Preparations follow increased seismic activity and reports of significant magma accumulation beneath the Teide volcano. Scientists have identified four notable anomalies under the volcano, which may indicate an exceptionally hot basement and partially melted material. A second major drill is scheduled for October in the municipality of Guía de Isora.