A large-scale drill
This week, the Xunta de Galicia is running the Galicia 18 June drill, one of the largest civil protection exercises ever held at Galician hydraulic infrastructure. More than 40 dams with an Emergency Plan are undergoing public warning siren activations on 17 and 18 June, to check that they work properly and raise public awareness of emergencies.
The main aim is twofold: to check the technical operability of the warning systems and to build a culture of prevention in the areas that could be affected by a dam failure. Exercises like this make it possible to assess both the technical response and public perception in real risk situations.
17 June already saw a major operation, with activations at dams such as Belesar, Os Peares, Castrelo, Frieira, Portodemouros, Cecebre and the red mud pond in Xove. Today, 18 June, the operation continues with further sound tests across the region.
Reservoirs with sirens activated on 18 June
| Time | Reservoir | Municipalities affected |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | Prada | A Veiga, O Bolo |
| 09:30 | San Sebastián | Viana do Bolo, Vilariño de Conso |
| 10:00 | Chandrexa | Chandrexa de Queixa |
| 10:00 | Eirós, Peñarrubia | Rubiá |
| 10:05 | Guístolas | A Pobra de Trives, Ribas de Sil |
| 10:15 | Santoalla | O Bolo, Petín, Ribas de Sil |
| 10:30 | Santo Estevo | Pantón, Sober |
| 10:40 | San Pedro | Pantón, Carballedo |
| 11:00 | San Martiño | Quiroga, Ribas de Sil |
| 11:00 | Ribeira | As Pontes |
| 11:15 | Montefurado | Quiroga, A Rúa, Petín |
| 11:30 | Sequeiros | Quiroga, Ribas de Sil |
| 11:30 | Eume | Pontedeume, Ares, Cabanas, Fene |
| 11:45 | Casoio | Valdeorras |
| 12:00 | Pumares | Valdeorras |
| 12:15 | Cenza | Viana do Bolo, Vilariño de Conso |
| 12:30 | As Portas | Viana do Bolo |
| 12:45 | O Bao | Manzaneda |
| 16:00 | O Con | Vilagarcía de Arousa |
| 17:00 | Deva | Pontedeva, Padrenda, Leirado |
| 10:00 | Touro | Vila de Cruces, Touro, Silleda |
Lafcarr's involvement
Many of the sirens activated during the Galicia 18 June drill were designed, installed or maintained by Lafcarr. We regularly work with the Galician authorities and several reservoir-owning companies to ensure the warning equipment is always operational.
✔️ Technical checks of sirens installed by Lafcarr.
✔️ Supervision of activations and on-site support.
✔️ Help coordinating with Civil Protection and local officials.
Advice for the public
The Xunta reminds the public that these activations are drills with no real risk. In a real emergency:
🔈 Head for high or safe ground.
🔈 Close doors and windows and switch off ventilation.
🔈 Follow official information from Civil Protection or 112 Galicia.
Committed to safety and innovation
At Lafcarr we are firmly committed to protecting lives with reliable technology solutions made in Spain. Our experience in early warning systems, combined with close collaboration with authorities and operators, makes us a leading technical partner in emergency management.
📍 Based in Girona with active projects across Spain, Lafcarr continues to develop solutions for new climate, technology and regulatory challenges.
Want to know more about our sirens, sensors and warning software?
Write to us using the contact form or visit our completed projects section.
