Tenerife Council Develops Volcanic Contingency Plan Amid Uncertainty
The Santa Cruz Council in Tenerife, a popular Canary Islands holiday destination for UK tourists, is actively preparing an official contingency plan for a potential volcanic eruption. This move comes as the council assesses its capacity to accommodate residents from other municipalities in case of an emergency.
Mayor Warns of Unpredictable Volcanic Event
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez announced the creation of a specialised technical department to develop an action plan. He stated that for a "normal-scale" volcanic event, the capital has sufficient infrastructure to house evacuated residents. However, he expressed uncertainty about larger eruptions, emphasizing, "We don’t know how it will happen, how it will develop, or when it might occur."
Bermúdez added that scientists have indicated current volcanic developments on the island are "not something normal," heightening concerns. This update is crucial for UK tourists planning visits to the European Union holiday hotspot, as Tenerife aims to "strengthen" its preparedness.
Local Government Attempts to Quash Concerns
Last month, Rosa Dávila, President of the Cabildo (the local government in Tenerife), tried to alleviate fears about an imminent volcanic eruption. She explained that the recent rise in seismic activity is likely due to pressure building within the hydrothermal system from gas injection, rather than magma movement.
Dávila said, "The aim is to keep the island as prepared as possible. Right now, it is more prepared than ever." This statement contrasts with the mayor's warnings, highlighting the complex and uncertain nature of volcanic monitoring.
Unprecedented Seismic Signals Detected
Itahiza Dominguez, director of the National Geographic Institute in the Canary Islands, provided further insight in a February statement. He noted, "We saw a small pulse similar to Tuesday's but it only lasted about seven or eight minutes." Dominguez added that in the last decade, low-frequency signals typically lasted four to five minutes, but "Never, until Tuesday, have we seen such a prolonged signal."
This unprecedented activity underscores the urgency of the contingency planning. The council's efforts focus on ensuring Tenerife is "prepared in case of an emergency situation," with ongoing assessments of infrastructure and evacuation protocols.
UK tourists are advised to stay informed through official channels as developments unfold. The contingency plan aims to balance safety with the island's reliance on tourism, ensuring minimal disruption in case of a volcanic event.
