Spain is gearing up for its biggest volcanic emergency exercise to date, with Tenerife set to carry out a large-scale drill that will test the island’s readiness for a potential eruption. The unprecedented exercise, running from September 22–28, 2025, will include simulated evacuations, emergency response coordination, and the first-ever island-wide mobile phone alert system in Spain.

On September 26 at 9 a.m., all residents and tourists on the island will receive a simulated eruption alert on their phones. Thousands of people in the northern town of Garachico — an area vulnerable to volcanic activity — will take part in evacuation procedures, moving to designated safe zones.

The drill comes amid recent underground tremors near Mount Teide, Tenerife’s iconic volcano, which have prompted authorities to step up preparedness efforts. Officials stress that there is no immediate threat of eruption, but the exercise is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding both locals and visitors.

Around 1,000 participants — including emergency responders, military personnel, scientists, and European experts from the EU MODEX project — will be involved. The goal is to test Tenerife’s communication systems, evacuation logistics, and the ability of different agencies to work together in a crisis.

Local authorities emphasize that this simulation will provide valuable insights into how well the island could handle a real volcanic disaster. While Tenerife is famed for its stunning volcanic landscapes, this drill highlights the importance of being prepared for the natural risks that come with them.