Press release - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

In light of the statements made public following the editorial published in the "Diário Insular" newspaper on May 30, and to provide rigorous and transparent evidence of the correct framework for the actions taken by the civil protection entities during the seismic-volcanic crisis on Terceira Island, the Regional Government of the Azores, through the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, considers it essential to provide the following factual clarifications:

1. First and foremost, it is important to clarify that, throughout the entire period of the seismic-volcanic crisis on Terceira Island, the scientific information provided by CIVISA – Centre for Information and Seismovolcanic Surveillance of the Azores, the competent authority in this matter, has never pointed to a scenario of imminent eruption. Specifically, none of the volcanic systems on Terceira Island has reached the V4 alert level (pre-eruption), as demonstrated by the record of alert level changes, which is presented below:

2. It is important to note that the editorial published by "Diário Insular" on Tuesday, June 2, acknowledges that the experts it consulted did not indicate an imminent eruption, and even admitted the existence of precursor signs that would make it possible to anticipate a potential event and activate measures to protect the population. This context contrasts with the initial editorial published on May 30, which suggested an imminent risk and scenarios with a high probability of loss of life. It stated that “an area (...) remained at risk of being affected by lava flows throughout that time” and that “official bodies with civil protection responsibilities estimated the probability of fatalities in such an event and pointed to alarming figures.”

3. Similarly, it is important to clarify that the Regional Government of the Azores has not produced, nor is it aware of the existence of, any official studies or assessments estimating the occurrence of fatalities in the scenarios considered during the seismic-volcanic crisis on Terceira Island. No documents were drawn up, within the scope of the activities of the regional authorities responsible for civil protection, that pointed to “alarming figures” for deaths or to projections of that sort.

4. It should also be noted that all geological risk mapping for the Autonomous Region of the Azores is public and freely accessible, and is available for consultation on the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service website at (https://www.prociv.azores.gov.pt/operacoes/documentos/) to any citizen, organisation or media outlet. This information is produced and disseminated with the specific aim of raising awareness of natural hazards and supporting the population's preparedness and safety.

5. Regarding the Raminho road, it is also important to clarify that its closure was a direct consequence of the earthquake that occurred on January 14, 2024, based on objective and duly assessed structural safety reasons. This was a technical decision, justified and absolutely in line with the duty to protect human life.

6. Consequently, measures were adopted from the outset to mitigate the impacts of this decision, notably through the upgrading of an alternative route. More importantly, a procedure was established to ensure that the section remained partially clear, so that it could be quickly reopened to traffic in the event of an emergency and to ensure the evacuation of the population whenever necessary. This was a coordinated process between the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, the Regional Directorate for Public Works, and the Angra do Heroísmo Municipal Council.

7. At the same time, a population evacuation plan, an innovative tool in the regional context, was developed and put into operation. This plan provides for its activation via a text messaging system. In addition, it sets out the responsibilities of all the bodies involved clearly and immediately, ensuring a coordinated, rapid and effective response should the need arise. This work was not merely theoretical: it was tested in the field through multiple drills.

8. In this context, we highlight the TOURO24 drill, held in June 2024, designed to test the response capacity of the Regional Civil Protection System in the face of complex scenarios of a seismic-volcanic event. As part of its preparation, various operational scenarios were developed, including scenarios involving lava flows associated with the fissure zone on Terceira Island, with projections for different areas of the territory and, consequently, the need to activate population evacuation procedures.

This work was complemented by specific population evacuation drills, namely BASALTO 24.4, held in October 2024 in the parish of Cinco Ribeiras, and BASALTO 25.3, held in September 2025 in the parish of Biscoitos.

9. It is also important to highlight the ongoing outreach work with the public, involving several meetings and public information sessions, particularly in the parishes located in the vicinity of the Santa Bárbara Volcano, ensuring that citizens have access to clear and appropriate information proportional to the actual risk. Communication has always been guided by criteria of rigour and responsibility, avoiding unjustified alarmism.

10. In this context, the Regional Government categorically rejects any suggestion of withholding information. It is reiterated that all actions taken were based on technical and scientific information validated by the competent authorities. They were conducted with full institutional transparency and a constant concern to keep the public adequately informed about developments of the situation.

11. The Regional Government fully respects freedom of the press and recognises the essential role of public scrutiny in a democratic society. Such scrutiny is, however, particularly relevant when it is based on factual information that is technically sound and properly put into context.

12. The actions of the Regional Government and its departments have, at every stage, been guided by responsibility, technical expertise, rigorous planning and transparency. The management of the seismic-volcanic crisis on Terceira Island has been conducted based on the best scientific information available at any given time, through ongoing monitoring, planning, operational preparedness and communication with the public.

13. The facts demonstrate that contingency plans, evacuation mechanisms, operational drills, decision-support mapping and regular public awareness campaigns have been developed, always with the primary goal of protecting human lives and safeguarding the safety of the population. These initiatives have, in fact, been widely disseminated throughout the entire process, both by the Regional Government and local authorities, many of them covered and reported on by the media themselves. As such, their existence, content and implementation are a matter of public record, widely known and easily verifiable.