Canary Islands conduct large-scale volcanic eruption drill using ES-Alert system
Authorities on the Canary Islands carried out a timed test of the ES-Alert warning system to simulate a volcanic eruption and evacuation scenario.
In a coordinated drill on the Canary Islands, officials tested the EU-wide ES-Alert emergency notification system to gauge response times for a potential volcanic crisis. The Volcanex Tenerife 2026 scenario dispatched three messages to residents’ phones between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., first escalating the alert level, then simulating an evacuation of Chirchen and Aripen in Guía de Isora, and finally confirming the exercise’s conclusion.
Although the drill centered on Guía de Isora, alerts could also reach users on La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Recipients heard a loud alarm, felt a vibration, and saw the label “PRUEBA,” after which they were instructed to press “Accept” but not to evacuate or call emergency services. Drivers were advised to stop safely before checking their devices. The test aims to verify rescue services’ readiness and the speed of public warning delivery in the event of a real eruption.
Why it matters
The drill checks how quickly authorities can warn residents if a volcano on the islands becomes active.
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