Situation Report: Azores – December 10, 2025

 

Enhanced Firefighting Resources

The Regional Government of the Azores has strengthened emergency response capabilities in Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island, by providing a new heavy water tanker to the Volunteer Firefighters Association. This investment, valued at approximately €350,000, was presented during the association’s 103rd anniversary and the patron saint’s day celebration. The new vehicle significantly improves water transport, autonomy, and operational robustness for local firefighting efforts.

Severe Weather Warnings Issued

Authorities, including the National Maritime Authority (AMN) and the Navy, have issued yellow warnings for all nine islands in the Azores due to worsening weather conditions. Forecasts predict heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas, with wave heights reaching up to 14 meters and wind gusts up to 69 km/h. These conditions are expected to persist from Thursday morning until Saturday.

Safety Recommendations

The AMN and Navy urge the fishing and boating communities to take precautions, such as returning to safe harbours and avoiding sea travel until conditions improve. All vessel owners should reinforce moorings and maintain vigilance by monitoring weather updates from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) and local port authorities. The public is advised to avoid coastal areas, beaches, cliffs, and rocky zones, and to adopt a preventive approach to minimize risk.

Weather Outlook by Island Group

• Western Group (Flores, Corvo): Yellow warnings for heavy rain and wind from late Tuesday through Wednesday.
• Central Group (Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Graciosa, Faial): Yellow warnings for rain and wind from early to late Wednesday.
• Eastern Group (São Miguel, Santa Maria): Yellow warning for heavy rain throughout Wednesday.

The IPMA notes that a new frontal system will gradually worsen weather conditions across the archipelago.

 

 

 

 

 

Situation Report Azores Thursday 4th December 2025 

 

Man murdered by his sister in Vila Franca do Campo

A 50-year-old man was murdered on Tuesday afternoon in Vila Franca do Campo. His 60-year-old sister is the main suspect.

The homicide occurred within the context of a domestic violence case, with the alleged aggressor, who was intoxicated, violently stabbing the victim in the torso area after a family argument.

Despite being transported to the Hospital of the Holy Spirit in Ponta Delgada, the man passed away.

The newspaper understands that the main suspect, according to the authorities, has not yet been arrested because she is currently in the psychiatric ward of the HDES hospital, and should be arrested as soon as she is discharged.

 

The Government of the Azores is conducting statutory visits to the islands of Flores and Corvo.

The Government of the Azores is conducting statutory visits to the islands of Flores and Corvo on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a program that includes meetings with mayors and members of the Island Councils.

 

Consortium submits proposal to purchase 85% of Azores Airlines.

The Newtour/MS Aviation consortium – now known as Atlantic Connect Group – has formally submitted a binding offer to acquire 85% of the share capital of Azores Airlines, according to the only bidder admitted to the privatization process of the Azorean airline

 

Business leaders in the Azores say that tourism needs a “strategic vision”.

The president of the Ponta Delgada Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIPD) argued that the region needs a “strategic vision” for tourism and warned that late payments “weaken the treasury” of organizations.

 

Half of the people from the Azores cannot afford a week’s vacation away from home.

According to data from the INE (National Institute of Statistics), 50% of Azoreans cannot afford a week’s holiday away from home. This is the highest figure in Portugal, and the region leads negatively in several indicators of material and social deprivation

 

 

 

Situation Report: Azores –  Wednesday 29th October 2025

 

Summary

Adverse weather conditions have led to 32 reported incidents on São Miguel, including flooding and landslides. Authorities confirm that the situation is under control, with no injuries reported and minimal need for resident relocation.

São Miguel: Flooding and Landslides

• Incidents:
  Over the past few days, the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) recorded 32 incidents across the municipalities of Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, and Ribeira Grande. These included flooding in homes and public roads, overflowing streams, and landslides.
• Feteiras Landslide:
  A landslide in the parish of Feteiras, Ponta Delgada, affected two homes but resulted in no injuries. Civil Protection teams assessed and stabilized the area, ensuring residents did not need to be relocated.
• Flooding Response:
  In Ponta Delgada, two people were temporarily relocated due to flooding in their home. The local fire department also safely removed a car stuck near the ANC station, with no casualties reported.
• Ribeira Grande:
  This area was among the most affected by heavy rain. Mayor Alexandre Gaudêncio confirmed that the situation has been resolved, with ongoing cleanup efforts and support for damaged homes. No families required relocation, but some homes sustained significant damage and may qualify for assistance.
• Municipal Response:
  Municipal teams were active from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., providing support and working to restore normality in the most affected areas.
• Official Statement:
  José Nuno Moniz, commander of the Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Ribeira Grande, assured that despite the number of incidents, “the situation is not alarming”.

São Jorge: Road Closure

• Fajã dos Cubres Access:
  Due to ongoing landslides caused by rain, the access road to Fajã dos Cubres remains closed. Residents can only travel at certain times and must use quad bikes.
• Background:
  The initial landslide occurred on October 9th, and the road has remained closed since, as further landslides occur with heavy rain. The municipality is awaiting a final report from the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory (LREC) to determine future measures.
• Emergency Plan:
  The Municipal Civil Protection Emergency Plan remains active, allowing controlled movement for residents based on weather conditions.

 

 

Azores Situation Report Wednesday 8th October 2025

Economic and Business Concerns in the Azores

The Azores Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIA) has called for the development of a contingency plan in case Azores Airlines is forced to close. This comes amid ongoing negotiations for the airline’s privatization with the Newtour/MS Aviation consortium. The Regional Government has indicated that, if no agreement is reached, the company may be closed.

Business leaders stress the importance of maintaining current air routes and frequencies and recommend that SATA Air Açores increase its inter-island flight capacity, especially during peak periods, to ensure the smooth movement of both tourists and residents.

The CCIA Forum, which brought together businesspeople and associations from across the Azores, has also highlighted several pressing economic issues. They urge that the region’s 2026 Plan and Budget prioritize the private sector and introduce measures to consistently reduce current expenses. The Forum warns of a worsening imbalance between revenues and expenditures, which is contributing to the region’s growing public debt. To address this, they propose a medium-term plan to reverse the debt trajectory and emphasize that continuous growth of regional public debt is unsustainable.

Additionally, the Forum draws attention to the low implementation rates of key European funding programs, such as the Azores 2030 Operational Program (PO) and the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). With the PRR’s implementation rate at just 42.7%, more than twice the amount already completed since 2021 must be achieved in less than a year. The Forum insists that accelerating the implementation of these funds should be a top priority for Azorean society in 2026.

Other recommendations include developing a robust strategy to address seasonality in tourism, reviewing the maritime transport model, and reforming both the Regional Finance Law and regional public administration. The Forum concludes that the Azores need a more agile, streamlined, and less bureaucratic administration, and should not remain isolated from national reforms.

Public Health Incident: Flea Infestation in Rabo de Peixe

A flea infestation has affected several schools in Rabo de Peixe, including the Ribeira Grande Vocational School, Luísa Constantina School, and Rui Galvão de Carvalho School. In response, the municipality has hired a company to disinfect the schools and surrounding streets as a precautionary measure. According to Mayor Alexandre Gaudêncio, there have been no reports of the infestation spreading to residential areas or public roads.

The outbreak was first reported near the Centre for Arts and Crafts (CAO), a municipal building used by the vocational school. The school conducted a general disinfection of the building and its surroundings, resulting in a temporary closure to ensure thorough cleaning. Later, the Rui Galvão de Carvalho School reported that the infestation had reached the area around Luísa Constantina School, affecting some teachers and students.

The municipality’s public health team, led by its full-time veterinarian, responded promptly, initiating intervention within 24 hours. Both Luísa Constantina and Rui Galvão de Carvalho schools will be closed for disinfection, with plans to resume activities the following day. The mayor noted that the spread of the infestation to another public school was unexpected, and the municipality hopes the hired company will identify the source of the problem.

While there is speculation about the possible link to illegal animal exploitation near the vocational school, as occurred in previous years, the mayor has not confirmed this as the cause. He explained that, in the past, municipal inspections resolved similar issues after giving deadlines for corrective action.