Creation and analysis of a multi-hazard database: Tenerife (Canary Islands) as a case study

Abstract. In the context of escalating climate change impacts and the heightened frequency of natural hazards, the imperative for robust multi-risk assessment and proactive mitigation strategies has become increasingly evident. Tenerife, situated in the Atlantic archipelago, encapsulates the challenges faced by communities globally, prompting a paradigm shift towards anticipatory risk management. This study presents a pioneering effort to establish a multi-hazard database for regions susceptible to be impacted by multiple natural hazards, using Tenerife (Canary Islands) as a case study, to provide a foundation for more accurate risk assessments and informed decision-making. Our methodology involved the systematic collection and analysis of over 500 years of historical data (https://doi.org/10.20350/digitalCSIC/17088) on volcanic activity, earthquakes, floods, landslides, and extreme weather events, allowing us to identify patterns, vulnerabilities, and effective resilience measures. In this sense, our holistic approach aims to empower stakeholders with a nuanced understanding of natural processes. The database reveals key patterns in hazard occurrence and impacts, such as the frequent and damaging floods linked to heavy rainfall and ravine overflows. It also highlights the increasing frequency and severity of these events in recent decades, underscoring the urgent need for improved management practices. Other hazards, like rock falls and landslides, though less common, pose significant risks in areas affected by human activities. Key recommendations include the implementation of flood prevention measures such as ravine cleaning, water retention areas, and reforestation, as well as enhanced geotechnical studies and slope stabilization efforts to mitigate landslide risks. The approach outlined here is not only applicable to Tenerife but serves as a scalable model for other regions facing complex natural hazard scenarios. By leveraging historical insights alongside contemporary methodologies, this contribution aims to strengthen natural risk resilience and inform future risk mitigation strategies.