Tenerife was rattled by a series of 84 earthquakes during the weekend, prompting authorities to activate a disaster response plan. The National Geographic Institute (IGN) identified the seismic activity in the western part of Las Canadas on the island.
Around 59 of these earthquakes were accurately pinpointed, mainly clustered near Mount Teide. Notable activity included two low-frequency pulses around the Canary Island.
The first pulse occurred between 1:30 am and 5:30 am on Saturday, while the second was recorded between 7:30 am and 10:30 am on Sunday. Both events were believed to have originated at depths of approximately eight and 21km below Las Canadas, each registering low magnitudes.
Although the IGN mentioned that these numbers are preliminary and subject to change, they emphasized that the earthquakes do not indicate an imminent risk of a volcanic eruption in the near future, as reported by Canarias7.
In response to the seismic activity, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Council has started preparations for a contingency plan in case of an eruption. To enhance readiness and ensure the city can provide essential services and shelter, a specialized technical team has been established.
While the city is equipped to handle a moderate emergency, concerns arise about managing a major eruption. Mayor Jose Manuel Bermudez expressed uncertainty about the potential eruption, highlighting that current volcanic developments are atypical based on scientists’ assessments.
The IGN monitors seismic activity in Spain using a network of over 100 stations and sampling points distributed across Tenerife, enabling continuous surveillance. This allows scientists to conduct real-time monitoring for any changes in seismic patterns, ground deformations, or geochemical indicators.
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is known for its volcanic activity. While the mayor expressed concerns about readiness for a possible eruption, the president of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Davila, previously dismissed speculations.
The last eruption of Mount Teide occurred in 1909, resulting in minor damages, while an eruption in 1706 destroyed a town and the main port of Garachico. Despite the historical eruptions, a spokesperson for the local National Geographic Institute highlighted the importance of closely monitoring the current seismic situation given the context.