The Cabildo Coordinates with Natural Resources and Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries for Animal Evacuations Due to the Volcanic Risk Drill in Garachico
The exercise includes the relocation of farm animals or those that cannot be considered pets due to their size
The meeting outlined the operational procedures for large animals during the emergency relocation on the day of the supposed volcanic event
The Cabildo de Tenerife, through the Departments of Natural Resources, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies and Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, has refined the coordination and strategy for the simulated evacuation of large animals. This strategy was discussed in a meeting related to the EU-Modex Tenerife 2025 Week in Garachico, taking place from the 22nd to the 28th, with a practical exercise focused on volcanic risk scheduled for the 26th.
During the meeting, the island directors of Security and Emergencies and Natural Resources, Iván Martín and Pedro Millán, respectively, collaborated with specialists from the Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries department and Rural Agents to discuss the coordination and actions required for the animal evacuation drill on the simulated eruption day in Garachico.
This exercise includes the relocation of farm animals or those that cannot be classified as pets due to their size. Coordination efforts and necessary care for the transportation of these animals were detailed. The action must involve an early evacuation strategy using suitable vehicles for their size. It will be a tabletop exercise with a particular focus on the coordinated response to the complexities of this task.
Iván Martín, the island director of Security and Emergencies, explained, “The Cabildo de Tenerife’s commitment to the Primary Sector is undeniable. In the case of disaster evacuations, authorities have a responsibility to facilitate the relocation of large animals that should not be overlooked. The exercise on Friday the 26th will involve a specific drill, during which both the resources and spaces of the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Department, along with our Rural Agents, must be activated to meet the needs of farmers and agricultural managers. Our commitment is to ensure the safety of all people and animals. We want Tenerife to be a safer island.”
Intensive Week
Throughout the week, specialised working groups focusing on Evacuation, Shelter and Social Assistance, and Communication and Information to the Public will take place. These are three fundamental areas for determining basic assistance protocols in the event of an eruptive episode at any phase. Additionally, an independent Scientific Committee composed of experts will test its response capabilities in the face of volcanic risk.
For seven days, Garachico will be the unquestionable hub of Tenerife, where local residents and visitors can engage in informative activities, prevention workshops, educational sessions, and enjoy interactions with members of the Scientific Committee, among others.
Drill
Friday, the 26th of September, will mark the pinnacle of the EU-Modex Tenerife Week concerning volcanic risk, as a volcanic eruption drill will take place aiming to evaluate the response and assistance to citizens. This exercise will be as realistic as possible, involving over 1,000 participants.
Experts and emergency specialists, as well as members of the State Security Forces and local and regional services, will address various situations, exercises, and incidents across five scenarios to test their responses and assess actions to identify both the strengths and weaknesses of the system.
The scenarios will include ‘Coordination and Management in the Advanced Command Post (PMA)’, ‘Preservation Exercise of the Convent of San Francisco’, ‘Ammonia Leak in Refrigeration Unit’, ‘Search for Missing Persons in a Ravine’, ‘Evacuation of Individuals with Reduced Mobility’, ‘Search and Reconnaissance’, ‘Volcanic Gases’, ‘Essential Basic Services’, ‘Evacuation of a Senior Citizens Centre’, ‘Evacuation of Animals’, ‘Volunteer Support Point’, ‘Evacuation of Non-Residents’, and ‘Drone Coordination’.
Furthermore, results and proposals for improving volcanic risk management will be presented with the involvement of experts, authorities, and emergency personnel.
The action will commence early in the morning, and at 9:00 AM, in coordination with the Government of the Canary Islands, an official alert message regarding the drill (ES.Alert) will be sent to the entire island population via mobile phones.
Subsequently, events will unfold, culminating in a simulated volcanic eruption followed by a field exercise involving participants and residents in various incidents in the vicinity of the Casco de Garachico, concluding at 14:00.
