What is happening on Tenerife on 22 October?
On Thursday, 22 October 2026, the Government of the Canary Islands will test the ES-Alert public warning system as part of the volcanic exercise “Volcanex Tenerife 2026”. The exercise is organised by the Cabildo de Tenerife, the island government, and according to the available information will take place mainly in Guía de Isora.
The Canary Islands emergency coordination centre CECOES 112 is due to send three warning messages between 9:00 and 14:00. The first message is aimed at the whole island of Tenerife. Because of the range of mobile phone masts, it may also be received in parts of Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, as well as on inter-island ferry routes.
The first message simulates a change to volcanic alert level Orange under the Canary Islands special plan Pevolca. It expressly does not mean a volcanic eruption is imminent; no evacuation or confinement follows from it. Recipients do not need to do anything.
Which areas are affected by the second message?
The second message particularly affects Guía de Isora and Santiago del Teide. It simulates a precautionary evacuation in the areas of Chirche and Aripe.
The second message may also be received in parts of Adeje, Los Silos, Buenavista del Norte and El Tanque, as well as in parts of the neighbouring islands. A warning outside the actual exercise area does not mean that evacuation measures apply there.
The third and final message ends the exercise. For holidaymakers in the south of Tenerife, for example in Adeje or Arona, the first message is the most relevant; the second message may also be received there without any action being required.
How should residents and holidaymakers respond?
Compatible mobile phones will emit a loud alert tone and vibration when the message is received; the message is marked as a test. After reading it, it is enough to acknowledge the message; no reply or call to 112 is required.
Anyone who is driving should stop safely before reading it. The authorities also recommend informing older relatives about the test in advance so that no unnecessary alarm is caused.
What does alert level Orange mean in the test?
The first test message simulates a change to volcanic alert level Orange under the Canary Islands special plan Pevolca. Pevolca is the special plan for volcanic risk in the Canary Islands.
In a real incident, alert level Orange means increased volcanic activity, but not an immediately imminent eruption. In the test on 22 October 2026, the message has no real consequences whatsoever.
The exercise is called “Volcanex Tenerife 2026” and is organised by the Cabildo de Tenerife, the island government. Its purpose is to practise procedures for a possible volcanic eruption and to familiarise the public with the warning system.
Are there any costs, deadlines or closures?
No prices, fees, application deadlines, access requirements or regular closures for residents, foreigners or holidaymakers have been announced. The messages are a test; there is no obligation to act.
The exercise is a civil protection operation and not a public event with tickets. There are no reservations or special visitor transport.
Anyone unsure whether the warning messages are activated on their own device can check the settings. The official website 112 Canarias provides information on this.
What is still open and what comes next?
The available information confirms the test date, the time window and the planned warning areas. However, it does not provide a detailed public map of the mobile phone cells or a complete schedule for all exercise participants.
On 22 October 2026, the three test messages are due to be sent between 9:00 and 14:00. The third message ends the exercise.
Further periodic tests in the Canary Islands are intended to familiarise the public with the system.