Andorra’s ten official hazard fields include avalanches, snowfall and icy conditions, thunderstorms and lightning, wildfires, rain and flooding, strong winds, rockfalls and slope movements, low and high temperatures, and earthquakes. Alpine risks have particular practical significance: snow and wind can trigger avalanches and transport disruptions, heavy rain can cause flooding and landslides at the same time, and heat, drought and wind increase the risk of wildfires. Earthquakes are rare but not impossible. Major events can damage buildings, roads, tunnels, bridges, electricity, water, gas and telecommunications networks and may require cross-border assistance from Catalonia or France. The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management of the Government of Andorra (Departament de Protecció Civil i Gestió d’Emergències des Govern d’Andorra) coordinates national disaster preparedness. The weather warning service (Meteo.ad) publishes weather warnings and the avalanche bulletin (Butlletí d’allaus) with regional avalanche levels from 1 to 5 for the North, Central and South zones. Wildfire risk is shown on the wildfire hazard map (incendis.ad) by zone and altitude. Civil protection provides information about Prealerta and Alerta through official channels, radio, television, the internet and social media. The mobility service (Mobilitat.ad) publishes closures, diversions and traffic-safety requirements. A nationwide mobile-phone mass-alert system is being developed; as of 4 September 2026, transitional SMS messages are being used, while full mass alerting is planned by the end of 2026. The planned unified National Emergency Centre (Centre Nacional d’Emergències) in Santa Coloma is due to start operating in 2027. Its current status should always be checked directly. For emergencies, 112 is the general emergency number, 110 is for the police, 116 is for medical emergencies and the emergency medical service (SUM), and 118 is for the fire and rescue service (Bombers). When calling, provide the exact location, the safest access route, the type of danger and the number of people affected. The lines must remain free for emergency calls. Alongside the police, Bombers, SUM and the mountain wardens (Banders), COEX, the municipalities, Andorra Recerca + Innovació, Andorra Telecom, the Andorran Red Cross (Creu Roja Andorrana), FEDA, Radio i Televisió d’Andorra and hotel and tourism associations such as UHA and AHA may be involved. The National Heliport of Andorra (Heliport Nacional de Andorra) has expanded the possibilities for emergency and transport flights since 2026. Preparation includes an emergency kit (Catakit) or emergency backpack (Motxilla d’emergència) with water, non-perishable food, medication, first-aid supplies, a radio and batteries, a lamp, a charger, warm clothing and necessary documents. A family emergency plan (Pla familiar d’emergència) sets out safe exits, a meeting point, an alternative connection, a contact person outside the household, arrangements for collecting children, contacts for the municipality (Comú) and utility providers, and how to shut off water, electricity and gas. Fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors, insurance documents, special medical needs and pet care should also be included in the planning. Schools and workplaces need their own emergency plans, responsible persons and meeting points; schools organise the reunification of pupils. People with disabilities or regularly required medication should prepare a personal support network and up-to-date information about their needs. During an acute danger, official instructions take priority. A shelter-in-place order (Confinament) means remaining only in an ordered protected area; an evacuation (Evacuació) takes place only because of the danger situation or an official instruction. Designated routes and assembly points must be used, lifts must remain out of service, exits must be kept clear and damaged buildings must not be entered. During flooding, avoid basements, garages, watercourses and bridges; vehicles must not drive through flooded areas. When avalanches are possible, check the weather and avalanche bulletin before every mountain trip. An avalanche transceiver (DVA), shovel, probe and suitable training are required if a tour takes place despite an acceptable level of risk. During a wildfire, call 118 or 112; escape sideways or against the wind, not uphill. Thunderstorms and strong winds require immediate shelter and avoiding exposed high ground. During an earthquake, people inside buildings should protect themselves under a sturdy table or beside a load-bearing structure and keep away from windows. Special shelter-in-place and evacuation plans exist for several endangered areas, including access to Arcalís, Sorteny, Coma de Ransol, the CG-2 at Soldeu, Urbanització Les Salines and Arinsal. The responsible bodies regularly check the snow cover in winter and may trigger avalanches preventively. Affected users must follow the specified measures and information channels. Outdoor fires are subject to nationwide rules. The responsible Comú must be notified in advance for fireworks, bonfires (Fogueres), fire-running events (Correfocs), and agricultural or forestry burning. No advance notification is required for campfires and barbecues, but safety conditions and time and location restrictions apply. Breaches may be sanctioned under forestry law. Landowners, supervisory persons, persons responsible for the fire and notifying persons may be jointly liable for damage from the time of ignition until the fire has been completely extinguished. After the event, document damage and have affected buildings checked for habitability according to the protocol of civil protection and COAA, COATA and COEA. Follow hygiene, drinking-water and food instructions; supplies and transport will be restored step by step. The Andorran Red Cross, social workers, municipalities and, depending on the situation, hotels or public bodies may provide temporary accommodation. There is no general entitlement to a particular accommodation, because access and scope depend on the situation and official decisions. Emergency calls and official hazard warnings have no documented end-user fee; equipment, insurance and some accommodation may incur private or case-dependent costs. The duration of response and evacuation and the restoration deadlines depend on the event.
Disasters in Andorra
Disasters in Andorra can endanger people, the environment, transport routes and essential services or overwhelm several municipalities at once. Particularly relevant are avalanches, snow and ice, heavy rain and flooding, landslides, wildfires and extreme weather conditions. Civil protection (Protecció Civil) coordinates prevention, warning, response, evacuation and recovery together with specialist bodies, emergency services and the municipalities.
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