The Tenerife Cabildo, through its Natural Environment, Security and Emergencies, and Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries departments, has finalised its strategy for the simulated evacuation of large animals in the event of a potential volcanic threat. This initiative forms part of the preparations for EU-Modex Tenerife 2025 in Garachico, which will culminate in a major drill on Friday, 26th September.
The coordinating meeting, which brought together island directors and technicians, focused on establishing action protocols for the emergency relocation of livestock and other animals not classified as pets due to their size. Officials emphasised the need for early evacuation using suitable vehicles to ensure the safety of these species.
Although this is a tabletop exercise, particular attention will be given to the coordinated response between different councils, given the complexity of the task.
A Commitment to the Primary Sector
Iván Martín, Island Director of Security and Emergencies, stressed that the council takes responsibility for managing the relocation of large animals. He noted that during the drill, resources from both Rural Agents and Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries will be mobilised to address the needs of farmers, thus ensuring the protection of both people and animals.
The animal evacuation exercise is just one of the multiple emergency situations to be addressed during the drill on Friday 26th, the peak day of EU-Modex Week. In total, over 1,000 people will participate in the test, which will assess the response capacity in the event of a volcanic eruption. The planned exercises include coordination and management at the Advanced Command Post (PMA), safeguarding the Convent of San Francisco, an ammonia leak in a cold storage facility, the search for a missing person in a ravine, the evacuation of a person with reduced mobility, search and reconnaissance, control of volcanic gases, essential basic services, evacuation of a care home, animal evacuation, volunteer support services, evacuation of non-residents, and drone coordination.
The Island on Simulated Alert
The day on Friday will start early, and in coordinated action with the Government of the Canary Islands, an official alert message regarding the drill (ES.Alert) will be sent to the entire population of the island at 9:00 am via mobile phones.
The EU-Modex Tenerife 2025 Week, which runs from 22nd to 28th September, will not only host the drill but also specialised working groups focused on Evacuation, Shelter, Social Assistance, and Communication, supported by a Scientific Committee. Over the seven days, Garachico will be the epicentre of educational activities, workshops, and prevention days open to residents and visitors alike.
