The Minister of the Presidency, Interior, Social Dialogue, and Administrative Simplification, Antonio Sanz, chaired the Advisory Committee of the Territorial Emergency Plan for Civil Protection in Andalusia (Pteand), along with the Mayor of Almonte, Francisco Bella, and the President of the Provincial Council of Huelva, David Toscano, at the Onubense Federation of Entrepreneurs in Huelva capital.
At the meeting, attended by officials from all administrations involved in the Plan Romero 2025, it was noted that everything is ready for the activation of the 41st edition of the Plan Romero on June 2nd. The Plan will be active until June 12th to prevent risks and respond to any emergencies that may arise during the Rocío Pilgrimage and its central events.
Antonio Sanz highlighted that this year, the new Andalusian Emergency Agency (EMA) is leading the coordination, being the most important in Spain in terms of training, human resources, and material resources. He also mentioned the introduction of significant innovations, such as drone nests, new coordination cameras, satellite cameras, pocket maps, and cartographic viewers for operatives, and the new Emergency Web Platform for Citizens.
Among the new additions are the drone nests, a pilot project developed in collaboration with Telefónica España for this year’s Rocío. These nests are equipped with the latest drone technology, self-recharge, and can be programmed to fly periodically, sending images directly to the Advanced Command Post without the need for drone pilots. They have great flight autonomy and transmit in a specific emergency segment thanks to the 5G implementation.
The Plan Romero has been using drone technology for several years, enhancing operational efficiency. There are up to seven units with thermal cameras, speakers, and lighting. This new pilot project is another example of how new applications are being developed for safety and emergency coordination in large gatherings.
New coordination cameras will be deployed for the first time at the Coria ferry crossing in Seville, Las Marismillas, and Doñana to enhance monitoring and security at these significant points. The addition of satellite cameras is also a highlight in this technological chapter.
The importance of quickly addressing all incidents that may arise was emphasized, with the introduction of new tools such as digital and printed ‘pocket maps’ to facilitate quick and precise responses by sectorizing the cartography of the village. This tool is available to all operatives, providing precise locations for faster response times.
New Emergency Web Platform for Citizens
Another tool that will be launched alongside the activation of the Plan Romero is the Emergency Web Platform for Citizens, part of the implementation phase of Pigea (Andalusian Emergency Management Platform). It will provide information on recommendations, tips, guides, latest news, specific sections for major emergencies, ‘Es-Alert’, or emergency maps, among other resources.
«The Plan Romero comes with more technology and information for the population,» said Antonio Sanz, explaining that this tool complements existing ones like the Plan Romero app and its conversational assistant, which will continue to operate.
New dispatch units of the REJA (Digital Emergency Network of the Andalusian Government) will be available at all Advanced Command Posts and the Integrated Operational Coordination Center (Cecopi) in the village. This tool, the most important of its kind in Europe for radio communications, was activated throughout the region on January 22nd.
Another novelty concerns the routes in Seville, with a new route opened for mechanical traction from Palacio del Rey to the Fresa road, enhancing traffic flow and safety in the area.
The available camping area at Cruz del Ponce has been tripled, catering to the increased demand expected due to the jubilee year and special mass for the Pontifical Mass.
Nearly a dozen innovations aim to enhance the operational efficiency of the Plan Romero, recognizing the key role of the over 7,000 operatives who dedicate their time to ensuring the success of the Pentecost celebration.
The Plan Romero retains successful elements from previous editions, such as the COA system for crowd control and the Es-Alert system for mass messaging and phone location tracking.
The pilgrimage remains ‘heart-protected’ with the distribution of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to all brotherhoods.
High Risk of Forest Fires
Given the high risk of forest fires during this edition, the operational team will be reinforced daily with 195 EMA Infoca specialists.
In the Plan Romero’s influence area, there will be three helicopters and three planes, along with a fleet of ground resources, including surveillance posts, support groups, firefighting vehicles, and specialist teams.
Additionally, fire extinguishers will be provided to all brotherhoods to immediately address any fire incidents.
Antonio Sanz expressed gratitude to the Matriz Brotherhood and its affiliates for their cooperation in security matters and urged Rociero participants to prioritize safety during the event.
Healthcare Device
The healthcare group of the Plan, comprising the Andalusian Health Service and the 061 Emergency Healthcare Center, will deploy 13 care stations, eight mobile and five fixed, across Sevilla, Huelva, and Cádiz.
In Huelva, stations will be set up in various locations, while in Sevilla and Cádiz, specific areas have been identified for healthcare support.
The healthcare team will have access to a medicalized helicopter and 31 vehicles, including ambulances, support vehicles, and specialized units, with medical personnel working 12-hour shifts.
The healthcare facilities in Almonte and Matalascañas will be bolstered, with a primary care center known as the ‘Hospital de la Aldea’ set up in El Rocío, offering various medical services.
The National Police Unit attached to the autonomous community will provide 71 officers for various tasks related to environmental protection, assistance, and collaboration with other security forces.
New Cecopi for 2026
The 112 and EMA GREA personnel will coordinate actions at the Command Posts and Cecopi, with a new headquarters expected to be completed by 2026, coinciding with a special year for the Rocío devotion.
At the event, the Minister of the Presidency was accompanied by senior officials from various government bodies and emergency response agencies.