A holistic examination of Disaster Risk Management in the context of volcanic risk in the Canary Islands

Understanding the complexity of past chain events in depth and learning from them to improve
decision-making in a dynamic context can be challenging. Although efforts have been made to
address these challenges, further research is needed. Storylines have proven to be a valuable
qualitative tool not only for describing multi-hazard scenarios, understanding the system and
the interrelationships between different elements, but also for improving resilience by taking
into account lessons learned throughout the process.

The 2021 La Palma volcanic eruption, with its enduring aftermath characterised by atmospheric
gas emissions in one of the island's prime tourist locales, exemplifies the intricate challenges in
decision-making for planning, procedural execution, and organisational management. This
event highlights the extensive and profound impacts of such dynamic risks, underscoring the
need for adaptable and robust strategies in risk management and response. Our study aims to
provide a comprehensive understanding of the whole volcanic disaster in detail by integrating
the different dimensions (multi-hazard, multi-risk and systemic impacts) into the disaster risk
reduction cycle (prevention and preparedness, response and recovery). This approach provides
a holistic and proactive approach and allows for an assessment of the impact and
consequences of the decision making process in the Canary Islands at each stage over time. For
this purpose, a 20-year timeline will be used, starting in 2004 when the first seismic swarm
indicated a possible volcanic eruption in the island of Tenerife.

This research uncovers a significant shortfall in risk planning across all stages of the disaster
reduction cycle on the islands, noting a disproportionate emphasis on administrative
coordination during emergencies. The absence of preemptive measures in land-use planning,
especially in areas highly vulnerable to exposure, exacerbates the complexity of post-eruption
recovery. By thoroughly examining the decision-making processes, planning strategies, and
organisational procedures, this study aims to distil key lessons from recent experiences. Such
an endeavour enhances our comprehension of the complex interplay between decisions and
risks, providing critical insights for bolstering resilience against volcanic disasters.