Tenerife on High Alert as Emergency Drills Prepare for Potential Volcanic Eruption
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife – Authorities in Tenerife are conducting large-scale emergency drills this week as a precautionary measure following a recent increase in seismic activity on the Canary island. While experts currently state there is no imminent threat of eruption, the exercises aim to ensure the island is prepared for a potential future event, with officials acknowledging a significant eruption risk within the next half-century.
The drills, involving the Red Cross and other emergency services, focus on updated action plans and mobility strategies.This heightened state of readiness comes as volcanic monitoring director Lucca D’Auria assures the public that the recent tremors,ground shifts,and gas changes are linked to Tenerife’s hydrothermal system and do not indicate magma movement.However, D’Auria cautioned that the probability of an eruption occurring in the next 50 years is nearly 40%.
spain’s Minister for Security, Emergencies and the Natural Habitat, Blanca Pérez, emphasized the need for Tenerife to take a “giant step” in preparedness. The drills are designed to test and refine response protocols, drawing lessons from past volcanic events. The town of Garachico serves as a stark reminder of the potential devastation, having been partially buried by lava from the Trevejo volcano in 1706, tho thankfully without loss of life.
The ongoing monitoring and emergency preparations are intended to safeguard both residents and the island’s vital tourism industry, as authorities balance reassurance with a commitment to proactive safety measures.