The Cabildo Coordinates Deployment of Over 160 National and International Journalists for the Largest Volcanic Simulation in the EU
More than a thousand participants will engage in emergency exercises, evacuations, and a simulated volcanic eruption in Garachico, alongside experts, security forces, and European emergency services
The Cabildo of Tenerife, in collaboration with the Canary Islands Government and the European Union, is organising the largest volcanic simulation conducted in the Islands as part of the EU-MODEX Garachico. The operation brings together over a thousand participants, with 64 accredited media outlets and 168 national and international journalists, including prestigious publications such as Le Monde, Agence France, Videre TV, and Wochenblatt.
The President of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, emphasised that “Tenerife demonstrates its readiness to coordinate a swift and effective response to major emergencies. This simulation not only tests our protocols but also strengthens cooperation with European civil protection teams.”
She further added, “The participation of over a thousand individuals and the international media attention position Garachico as a benchmark for resilience and safety. We want to reassure the public: we are prepared to act in any scenario.”
Intensive Week
Throughout the week, specialised working groups will address Evacuation, Sheltering, and Social Assistance, as well as Communication and Information for the Public—three fundamental aspects to determine the protocols for basic assistance during any eruptive episode. Furthermore, an independent Scientific Committee comprised of experts and specialists will test their capabilities in response to volcanic risks.
During seven days, Garachico will become the undisputed focal point of Tenerife, allowing residents and visitors to participate in daily informative activities, prevention workshops, educational and training sessions, and to engage with members of the Scientific Committee, among others.
Simulation Day
Friday, 26th September, will mark the climax of the EU-Modex Tenerife week focusing on volcanic risk, featuring a simulated volcanic eruption aimed at testing the protection and assistance measures for citizens. This exercise will strive to be as realistic as possible, involving more than 1,000 participants.
In this scenario, experts and emergency specialists, along with members of state security forces and island and regional services, will tackle various situations, exercises, and incidents across five scenarios to test their responses and assess their actions, identifying both the strengths and weaknesses of the system.
Exercises
The exercises planned include: ‘Coordination and Management at the Advanced Command Post (PMA)’, ‘Safeguarding Exercise for the Convent of San Francisco’, ‘Ammonia Leak in Cold Storage’, ‘Search for Missing Person in Ravine’, ‘Evacuation of Individuals with Reduced Mobility’, ‘Search and Recognition’, ‘Volcanic Gases’, ‘Essential Basic Services’, ‘Evacuation of the Senior Centre’, ‘Evacuation of Animals’, ‘Volunteer Support Point’, ‘Evacuation of Non-Residents’, and ‘Coordination of Drones’.
Additionally, outcomes and improvement proposals in volcanic risk management will be presented, featuring contributions from experts, authorities, and emergency personnel.
The action will commence early in the morning, and at 9:00 a.m., coordinated with the Canary Islands Government, an official alert message for the simulation (ES.Alert) will be sent to the entire island population via mobile devices.
From this point, events will unfold rapidly, culminating in a simulated volcanic eruption and the continuation of on-ground work involving actors and residents in various exercises and incidents around the centre of Garachico, concluding at 14:00.
