Molina: “It makes no sense to boast about updating a plan that has been outdated for ten years in a year.”
The Popular Party of La Laguna has expressed its concern over the delay in updating the Municipal Emergency Plan (PEMU), following the announcement that the new document will not be ready for another year. Meanwhile, the Cabildo of Tenerife has called on municipalities to expedite the adaptation of their plans to address volcanic risks and climate change effects.
The party spokesperson, Juan Antonio Molina, stated that “it is unacceptable for a municipality like La Laguna, with around 160,000 inhabitants and one of the most visited areas on the island, to lack an updated plan. It is also worth noting that the plan does not include protocols for pandemics or fires, given recent events like Covid-19 and the significant wildfires just two years ago. The safety of residents cannot be subject to the bureaucratic delays of the local government.”
Uncovered Risks and Unjustified Delays
Recently, the Cabildo of Tenerife demanded that local councils expedite the updating of their emergency plans to include scenarios for volcanic eruptions, wildfires, flooding, and extreme weather events. However, the La Laguna Town Council has announced that its new PEMU will not be ready until the first half of 2026, indicating a delay of at least nine months.
“While the Cabildo emphasises the urgency of this matter and reminds us that there are municipalities with very high volcanic risk, La Laguna is lagging behind. We cannot afford improvisations in such a sensitive area. We are talking about evacuation protocols, emergency coordination, and safety in schools and sports facilities. This is not just another procedure; it pertains to the protection of La Laguna families,” Molina stressed.
