The Minister for Territorial Policy of the Canary Islands Government, Manuel Miranda, has announced that his department is working on a new risk strategy and public information campaign regarding seismic activity at Mount Teide.
This initiative is being developed with guidance from experts at the Special Plan for Civil Protection and Emergency Response to Volcanic Risk in the Canary Islands (PEVOLCA).
During a parliamentary session addressing seismic activity in Tenerife, Miranda expressed appreciation for the scientific teams monitoring the situation. He emphasised that transparency and scientific rigour are essential in managing any emergency.
The Minister highlighted that his department collaborates closely with the Canary Islands Volcanology Institute (INVOLCAN) on volcano monitoring plans, and with the National Geographic Institute (IGN) to ensure continuous observation of seismic activity across the archipelago.
Furthermore, the VOLCAN project, an initiative led by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Directorate-General for Emergencies, with funding from the European Commission, aims to improve volcanic risk management over the next two years. The project will involve creating hazard maps, training technical personnel, and increasing public awareness in a region that is, as Miranda pointed out, of volcanic origin.
Miranda reassured the public, calling for “calm and prudence” and urging trust in the experts conducting constant monitoring of seismic activity. He confirmed that the Canary Islands Government and Tenerife’s Cabildo are working in coordination to prioritise transparency, communication, and public education.
Findings of the Scientific Committee
Regarding the conclusions of the Scientific Committee for the Evaluation of Volcanic Phenomena (CCES), which convened on 23rd January, Miranda stated that experts do not foresee any immediate risk of eruption, defining the short term as “weeks or a few months.” However, they have recorded a continuous increase in gas emissions since 2016.
While this observation does not allow for definitive conclusions, scientists recommend strengthening surveillance, particularly concerning this rise in emissions and slight surface deformation in the Las Cañadas area.
The Minister stressed that, given the uncertainty surrounding volcanic activity, it is crucial to enhance public understanding of the Canary Islands’ geological reality and to promote self-protection measures, including in the education system.
Finally, Miranda reiterated that these principles are essential in reducing the impact of misinformation and false reports.
