641 earthquakes in July: a swarm beneath the Teide
The Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN) recorded 641 earthquakes on Tenerife in July 2026 — almost as many as in the whole of 2025, when 740 were counted. Canarias7 reported the figures on 20 August 2026, citing the IGN. The island's seismic activity has been running above its usual level since February 2026.
Photo: Iain Cameron, CC BY 2.0 (Symbolbild).
An important point for context: these are almost all micro-earthquakes that people generally do not feel at all. The figures are part of the ongoing, routine monitoring of the volcanic-tectonic system in a zone where such swarms recur. The data reported indicate no imminent eruption and no change in the alert level; the Teide is closely watched by the IGN and the Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (Involcan).
What the figures show
According to Canarias7, the IGN registered 641 earthquakes on Tenerife in July 2026. For comparison, the whole of the previous year, 2025, saw 740 quakes. July alone therefore nearly matched the previous year's annual total — a clear sign that the island is going through a phase of heightened seismic activity.
This increase is not a sudden event. According to the figures, the island's average seismic activity has been above previously usual levels since February 2026. Experts therefore describe this as an anomalous phase — but one that is observed and understood.
Where the quakes occur
By far the largest share is concentrated in a tightly defined area: 611 of the 641 July quakes were located in the Las Cañadas del Teide zone, the island's central volcanic area around the Teide. The maximum depth of the quakes was about 25 kilometres.
This clustering in a known volcanic-tectonic zone is no surprise to specialists. It is precisely there that subsurface movements are expected and have been recorded systematically for years.
Tiny magnitudes, mostly not felt
The strength of the quakes ranged between 0.2 and 1.9 mbLg. These are micro-earthquakes that people at the surface generally cannot perceive and that only sensitive instruments detect. There is no question of any noticeable disruption to daily life.
One striking feature was an intense swarm between 22 and 24 July. On 23 and 24 July alone the IGN recorded more than 380 individual events. Such swarms — many small quakes in a short time over a small area — are typical of how this zone behaves.
How the experts read the numbers
A key reason for the high count lies in improved detection: the network now locates smaller quakes that previously fell below the detection threshold and so never entered the statistics. More recorded quakes therefore do not automatically mean more danger.
At the same time, Itahiza Domínguez, director of the IGN in the Canary Islands, stresses that the island's average seismic activity since February has remained above the levels that preceded this anomalous period (a faithful translation of his statement). Both points belong together: better detection — and a genuinely somewhat higher baseline.
Routine monitoring, not a sign of an eruption
Historical context is decisive for interpretation. In recent years this zone has repeatedly produced comparable swarms — among them in 2016, 2019, 2022, 2024 and 2025. The current activity fits this well-known pattern.
The available data give no indication of an imminent eruption and no change in the warning or alert level. The Teide is among the most closely monitored volcanoes in Europe; the IGN and Involcan follow developments continuously and provide updates through official channels.
More recorded quakes do not automatically mean more danger — often it is improved detection at work.
The vast majority of these micro-earthquakes (0.2 to 1.9 mbLg) are not felt by people.
When rumours circulate on social media, it is worth checking them against the official bulletins.
No change in the alert level: The data reported show no change in the warning or alert level. Only the official bulletins from the IGN and Involcan are authoritative.
Key facts
- 641 earthquakes on Tenerife in July 2026 (IGN, via Canarias7, 20 August 2026)
- Almost as many as in all of 2025 (740); above the normal level since February 2026
- 611 of the July quakes concentrated in Las Cañadas del Teide; maximum depth about 25 km
- Magnitudes 0.2 to 1.9 mbLg — micro-earthquakes, mostly not felt
- Intense swarm from 22 to 24 July; more than 380 events on 23 and 24 July
- Recurrent swarms in the zone (2016, 2019, 2022, 2024, 2025); closely monitored by IGN and Involcan
FAQ
- How many earthquakes were there on Tenerife in July?
- According to the IGN, as relayed by Canarias7, there were 641 — almost as many as in the whole of 2025 (740).
- Where did the quakes occur?
- 611 of the 641 quakes were concentrated in the Las Cañadas del Teide area, the island's central volcanic zone; the maximum depth was about 25 km.
- Were the quakes felt?
- Mostly not. The magnitudes ranged between 0.2 and 1.9 mbLg — micro-earthquakes that people generally do not notice.
- Does this mean an eruption is imminent?
- No. This is routine monitoring; the data indicate neither an eruption nor a change in the alert level. The zone has a history of recurring swarms (2016, 2019, 2022, 2024, 2025).
- Why are more quakes being recorded now?
- Mainly because improved detection now picks up smaller quakes. At the same time, average activity has, according to Itahiza Domínguez (IGN), stayed above the levels seen before this anomalous period since February.
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