Lorraine Williamson
Seismic activity beneath Tenerife intensified during the night of Wednesday, 22 July, into Thursday, 23 July, with more than 750 events detected, according to the latest figures provided by the Instituto Geográfico Nacional’s director in the Canary Islands.
None of the events recorded by that stage had been felt by residents. El País reported the updated figure after speaking to IGN director Itahiza Domínguez.
The IGN’s initial official bulletin said its automatic processing systems had identified more than 550 seismic signals, while specialists had manually located 95 earthquakes. The difference between the figures reflects the continuing analysis of numerous weak signals rather than a sudden second increase in activity. The IGN published its official update on the activity recorded between 22 and 23 July.
Activity concentrated west of Las Cañadas
Most of the events were concentrated west of Las Cañadas del Teide, beneath areas within the municipalities of Guía de Isora, Vilaflor de Chasna and Santiago del Teide.
The earthquakes that could be individually located were generally recorded at depths of between 10 and 15 kilometres below sea level. They were of very low magnitude and were concentrated within a relatively small area.
Activity began weakly on Wednesday afternoon before becoming more intense overnight. During the most active period, signals were being detected approximately every 30 seconds to one minute.
What type of seismic activity was detected?
The episode included volcano-tectonic earthquakes, hybrid events and low-frequency signals, often referred to as LP events.
Volcano-tectonic earthquakes are usually associated with the fracturing of rock. Hybrid and low-frequency signals may also reflect the movement of fluids such as gas, water or magma at depth.
However, the presence of these signals does not mean that magma is moving towards the surface or that an eruption is approaching. The IGN says the latest episode is similar to other periods of activity recorded beneath Tenerife during February, March and June.
No increased eruption risk
Despite the striking number of signals, the IGN says the latest activity does not increase the likelihood of a volcanic eruption in Tenerife in the short or medium term.
Scientists assess seismicity alongside other indicators, including earthquake magnitude, movement towards the surface, ground deformation and changes in volcanic gases. The current episode has not produced the combination of warning signs that would point towards an imminent eruption.
The public list of recent earthquakes also remains subject to revision as specialists examine and relocate smaller events. On Thursday afternoon, the IGN catalogue continued to show low-magnitude activity around Vilaflor de Chasna. The latest reviewed earthquakes can be followed through the IGN’s official earthquake catalogue.
Repeated activity beneath Tenerife
The latest swarm is the tenth episode of this type detected beneath Tenerife since February.
Official monthly monitoring reports have shown recurring low-frequency and seismic activity west of the Las Cañadas caldera during 2026. In April, for example, the IGN recorded the greatest concentration of the island’s seismicity southwest of Pico Viejo, in the same broad area where the latest events have occurred. The IGN publishes its Canary Islands volcanic monitoring reports online.
Repeated seismic swarms are closely monitored because Tenerife remains a volcanically active island. Nevertheless, volcanic activity at depth can continue for long periods without developing into an eruption.
Monitoring will continue
The IGN is continuing to analyse the signals and has informed the relevant civil protection authorities. Further revisions could change the final number of events as more of the weak signals are reviewed manually.
For now, the official assessment remains unchanged: no earthquakes from the episode have been felt by the public, and there is no evidence of an increased eruption risk in the short or medium term.
Tenerife’s most recent eruption was at Chinyero in November 1909. It lasted around ten days and remains an important part of the island’s volcanic history, but the current seismic activity does not mean that a similar event is imminent. The Canary Islands Government provides further information about the 1909 Chinyero eruption.