The ES-Alert emergency notification system was successfully tested today in Tenerife, with messages delivered through all mobile network operators to over 800,000 devices in English and Spanish.
Although some people were caught unaware, according to a survey conducted by the Canary Islands government, 81% of the 46,000 people in Tenerife who completed the survey afterwards, were aware of the test beforehand. This marks the highest awareness rate among the Canary Islands, surpassing the previous average of 71%. Additionally, 90% of participants rated the system positively, indicating growing trust and acceptance with each trial.
The provisional survey results show that 46,125 users responded, with significant participation from Santa Cruz de Tenerife (12,460), San Cristóbal de La Laguna (8,352), Adeje (3,978), and Arona (3,882).
Manuel Miranda, the Canary Islands' Minister of Territorial Policy, was present during the test. He expressed satisfaction with the trial, emphasising its importance in completing the testing schedule across all islands. “The more we refine this alert system, the more effective it will be in real-life situations,” he stated. He also highlighted the importance of public awareness and preparation in civil protection and emergency response efforts.
He added that the government will continue improving the system, addressing any issues identified, and monitoring public reactions ahead of the next island-wide test scheduled for November.
The latest trial featured two coordinated control points. Authorities monitored the exercise from Plaza del Chicharro in Tenerife’s capital, where the Advanced Command Post (PMA) of the Directorate General for Emergencies was stationed. This command post remained connected to the Canary Islands’ Emergency Services Coordination Centre (CECOES), ensuring continuous updates on the test’s progress.
From the 112 Operations Centre, Emergency Director Fernando Figuereo, alongside Civil Protection and Emergency Response Chief Montserrat Román and CECOES 112 Director Moisés Sánchez, oversaw and coordinated the simulation.
The test was conducted in collaboration with the island’s 31 municipalities, the Cabildo, and various other institutions and services involved in the exercise.
The upcoming regional ES-Alert test planned for November will make the Canary Islands the first region in Spain to implement this simulation system across its entire territory, further strengthening emergency preparedness throughout the archipelago.
