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Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 10^th December 2025

 

Good afternoon. On the eve of the General Strike there are already disruptions this Wednesday. Unions say that health, education, and transportation are expected to be the sectors most affected by Thursday’s general strike. There is one day left until the General Strike that threatens to paralyze the country, but the impact is already being felt this Wednesday, especially in the transport sector. Please see our first news item.

Yes Christmas is almost upon us and a time to celebrate with family and friends. However, criminals also like to celebrate in a rather different way! This can be through on-line scams or physical crime such as burglaries and other thefts.  This is the time of year when burglaries may increase. More often this is through “Opportunist crime” (crimes of opportunity) so it is preventable. The festive period is one of the busiest times of the year — but while many of us are away visiting friends and family, unoccupied homes can unfortunately attract unwanted attention.

If you are going away use smart plugs or light timers to turn lamps and Christmas lights on and off at realistic times. Avoid leaving the same light on constantly — varied lighting patterns give the impression that someone is at home. A TV simulator or a smart speaker playing low-level sound occasionally can also help create the sense of activity indoors. Before you go away ask someone you trust to keep watch. A trusted neighbour or friend can make your home look lived in by doing small but effective things while you’re away, such as: collecting post or parcels, moving bins on collection day, parking on your driveway occasionally or moving you own car. Small actions like these create the illusion of occupancy — one of the simplest and most effective deterrents.

It’s tempting to share your holiday countdown or airport selfies, but posting about your absence can unintentionally alert criminals that your home is, or will soon be, empty.  Wait until you return before posting travel updates or photos from your trip. Please read our Feature in The Resident newspaper out tomorrow 11^th December.

The GNR and PSP are already conducting their various crime prevention programs in the lead up to Christmas. During a meeting with GNR Faro Territorial District on 9^th December we discussed their main programs for Christmas and New year which focus on Safe Commerce, where they visit various stores concerning security of shops and traffic patrols especially over the holiday periods itself.

As far as scams there are several to be on the lookout for in the lead up to Christmas for example we are already seeing an increase in Portugal of on-line parcel delivery scams using the names of well-known couriers, such as CTT, DHL etc.     If you are expecting a delivery be particularly careful.  Do not click on any links in emails, open attachments or reply. These are mainly phishing emails where the fraudster is attempting to gain your personal information. Simply delete the email. Be aware any QR code embedded in an unsolicited email can be a scam. If you don’t know the sender, don’t scan the QR code.  If in doubt check with the company concerned but not using the contact details in the email.

Another are fake Charity scams. Unfortunately the number of fake charity scams are increasing tugging on your heart strings at this time of the year. Never click on a hyperlink in an email purportedly from a charity. Instead visit the charity’s website first by typing the address into your browser. Before you donate, check the website you are on is secure – the web address should begin with https:// (the “s” stands for “secure”) and look for the padlock symbol. It is very risky to respond to requests to donate through a money transfer company such as Western Union or MoneyGram.

With the increasing number of cases, the country has entered an epidemic phase of influenza, a scenario that is expected to worsen. In a press conference this Monday, the Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, acknowledged the challenge ahead, but assured that public health institutions are prepared. She also reinforced the appeal for vaccination of citizens who are part of priority groups.  Speaking directly from the Ministry of Health in Lisbon, Ana Paula Martins assured that health institutions are “prepared and coordinated” to give “the best possible response to the Portuguese people, from prevention to treatment.” She stated that currently “the Influenza AH3 virus is predominant,” with a new subtype that could have an increased impact on at-risk groups. Therefore, she warns: the next eight weeks “will be particularly demanding”.

Our team at Safe Communities wish you at nice week ahead.

News:

The general strike hasn’t started yet, but there are already disruptions this Wednesday.

Unions say that health, education, and transportation are expected to be the sectors most affected by Thursday’s general strike. There is one day left until the General Strike that threatens to paralyze the country, but the impact is already being felt this Wednesday, especially in the transport sector.

CP – Comboios de Portugal anticipates disruptions until Friday. In a statement, the company guarantees that it will reimburse or allow exchanges for those who have purchased tickets for Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, International, InterRegional and Regional services. Strike notice https://www.cp.pt/en/detalhe-aviso/greve-11-dez

Fertagus will have minimum services.

River connections between Lisbon and the south bank of the Tagus River will also be heavily affected by the general strike. Only a minimum service of 25% is planned during the most critical morning and afternoon hours.

Carris has already announced that it will only have 12 routes available.

In Porto, disruptions are expected on the metro. The situation is different in Lisbon’s metro, which is expected to be completely closed.

In the aviation sector, TAP has cancelled several flights and SATA will only operate nine connections between the autonomous regions and Lisbon and Porto.

In healthcare, staffing schedules identical to those on Sundays and holidays will be ensured. Minimum services will guarantee the operation of emergency rooms, urgent surgeries, hospitalizations, and intensive care units.

The UGT’s general secretary predicts a firm and determined response from workers. Unions say that health, education, and transport will be the sectors most affected.

 

 

General strike leads Air Europa to cancel flights and Iberia to reduce operations to Portugal.

Air Europa has cancelled all 16 of its flights to and from Portugal, while Iberia has reduced its scheduled connections by up to 75%, following the general strike called against labour law reform. TAP expects to operate only a third of its flights during the joint strike by the CGTP and UGT unions.

Iberia confirmed to the EFE news agency on Tuesday that it will cancel 75% of its flights to and from Porto via various Spanish airports, while the cancellation rate will be 50% for flights to and from Lisbon.

According to a statement from Air Europa, the company will suspend all sixteen of its flights to and from Portugal, all originating from and destined for Madrid-Barajas Airport, which had eight flights (four outbound and four return) to Lisbon and another eight to Porto.

Air Europa has informed affected passengers that they can change their travel dates free of charge between December 9th and 18th, change their route, request a voucher, or obtain a ticket refund.

Four aviation sector unions issued a joint statement on the same day expressing solidarity with Portuguese workers during Thursday’s general strike, while also criticizing the government’s draft labour reform proposal.

In a joint statement, the Civil Aviation Pilots Union (SPAC), the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC), the Aviation and Airport Workers Union (Sitava), and the Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Union (Sitema) considered the Trabalho XXI draft bill to be “a civilizational setback.”

TAP’s CEO, Luís Rodrigues, assured on Tuesday that the company is prepared for the general strike scheduled for Thursday and expects to operate a third of its flights, with the main effort being to avoid affecting passengers.

 

 

PORTUGAL SAFETY AND SECURITY REPORT THURSDAY 4^TH DECEMBER 2025

 

Good morning everyone – Storm Claudia, which battered the country two weeks ago, raised the level of Algarve’s reservoirs by 5%, now guaranteeing four years of public water supply – the best record in the last ten years. However, despite the increase in surface reserves, the rain was not enough to reassure half of the region’s citrus growers, who remain dependent on aquifers in critical condition.

In Lobito, Silves, farmers haven’t needed to turn on their irrigation systems for almost a month. The orchards are showing vitality after the rains, but the relief will be short-lived. According to citrus grower José Moreira, the water accumulated in the soil isn’t enough to last more than a few days.

The president of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), José Pimenta Machado, confirms an unprecedented milestone with an example that the Funcho reservoir is at 80% capacity in November. Across the six reservoirs in the Algarve, we are at 72% capacity — the best situation in ten years.” The big problem is that the water brought by the storm did not infiltrate enough to replenish the water table, on which half of the Algarve’s citrus farms depend. José Moreira warns that “the water table is very low. It rained a lot, but most of it went into the sea. It was a sudden downpour and it didn’t seep through,” a situation endorsed by APA.

It is noticeable that during the drier days over the last week in the Algarve, many people are taking the opportunity to burning cut and piled waste. Although the fire risk is relatively low it is still important to inform the authorities beforehand, and when the risk is very high or maximum, seek authorisation. In burning cut and piled waste please ensure that you take safe precautions in particular: If possible burn on wet days or when humidity is high starting in the morning as the humidity is usually higher, avoid burning on a windy day, especially if it has a variable direction; have someone with you and have a mobile phone at hand, have a water supply close by, and ensure the fire is properly extinguished before retiring, cover with earth or use water will help.

Remember the person responsible for burning the piles cannot leave the place during the time in which it takes place and until it is duly extinguished and its effective extinction is guaranteed.

However, the weather at present is variable. And in the next few days the temperature will drop. The Directorate-General of Health (DGS) has recommended preventive measures in light of the cold weather forecast, especially in the North region, noting that there is an increased risk of respiratory illnesses, worsening of chronic conditions, and accidents. It is important to follow the recommendations, not only by wrapping up warm, but on the roads as well with IPMA forecasting icy and frost conditions. Please take extra care on the roads

Also with the cold weather there tends to be an increase in urban fires mainly residential buildings. These caused, in many cases, resulting from negligence or non-compliance with safety standards in the use of home equipment. Be aware that most of these fires can be prevented, by: Periodically checking the electrical and gas installations by; regularly cleaning chimneys and exhausts; keeping matches and lighters out of reach of children and avoiding using candles. Also do not overload electrical sockets; turn off appliances that are not in use from sockets and remove flammable objects and products from heat sources. Never smoke in bed or on the sofa if you feel tired or drowsiness.

Have a fire extinguisher at home and teach the whole family how to use it and install carbon monoxide detectors especially if you have a wood burning or gas heater.

Our team at Safe Communities wish you a safe week ahead.

 

Reservoirs in the Algarve have enough water for four years, but aquifers remain critical

Storm Claudia, which battered the country two weeks ago, raised the level of Algarve’s reservoirs by 5%, now guaranteeing four years of public water supply – the best record in the last ten years.

Despite the increase in surface reserves, the rain was not enough to reassure half of the region’s citrus growers, who remain dependent on aquifers in critical condition.

In Lobito, Silves, farmers haven’t needed to turn on their irrigation systems for almost a month. The orchards are showing vitality after the rains, but the relief will be short-lived. According to citrus grower José Moreira, the water accumulated in the soil isn’t enough to last more than a few days.

“The rain was wonderful, but we’ll definitely have to call next week. These fields are very dry and the trees will need it.”

Reservoir storage reaches record levels.

Despite the concerns of citrus growers in Silves, 10 kilometres from the orange groves, the Arade reservoir is approaching 60% of its capacity , after the Funcho reservoir — located upstream — began discharges that usually only occur after winter.

The president of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), José Pimenta Machado, confirms an unprecedented milestone:

“The Funcho reservoir is at 80% capacity in November. Across the six reservoirs in the Algarve, we are at 72% capacity — the best situation in ten years.”

Storm Claudia contributed 20 cubic hectometres of water, an increase equivalent to 5% of the region’s total storage capacity.

Just a year and a half ago, the Algarve had reserves for six to seven months of public water supply. Today, that guarantee extends to four years.

Aquifers however remain in crisis: 50% of citrus growers do not benefit from the rain.

The big problem is that the water brought by the storm did not infiltrate enough to replenish the water table, on which half of the Algarve’s citrus farms depend. José Moreira warns:

“The water table is very low. It rained a lot, but most of it went into the sea. It was a sudden downpour and it didn’t seep through.”

The APA confirms the concern. The Querença-Silves Aquifer, responsible for supplying 30 million cubic meters per year to farmers through 6,000 boreholes, has experienced a “very insignificant” recovery.

“There is a great asymmetry between the recovery of reservoirs and groundwater, which is much slower. More rain is needed to alleviate the restrictions on new water withdrawals,” explains José Pimenta Machado.

Citrus growers expect slower and more continuous rainfall in the winter.

Despite the historical record of surface water reserves, the drought in the Algarve is not yet over for those who depend on groundwater. The agricultural sector is waiting for winter—which hasn’t even started yet—to bring gentler and more prolonged rain, essential for replenishing the aquifers.

Until then, the region lives between two contrasting scenarios: dams as full as they haven’t been in a decade, and aquifers that are still depleted.

 

Food collection at Food Bank campaign falls by 2.8%.

The Food Bank’s Christmas campaign has ended, but you can still contribute through vouchers at supermarkets or on their online platform until December 7th.

The Food Bank received 60 tons less in this year’s Christmas campaign compared to last year. The campaign took place over the weekend, with 2,150 tons collected, according to a statement.

The collected food will be distributed starting next week to social solidarity institutions throughout the country, to then be delivered to approximately 380,000 people with food insecurity.

The Food Bank emphasized in the statement that, “in everyday life, there are still people who need help to eat, especially at a time like Christmas.”

“Having the family gathered around a table is a wish that each of us can help to fulfill,” the institution added.

Last year, the campaign managed to collect 2,213 tons of food. Despite this year’s shortfall, the president of the Portuguese Federation of Food Banks Against Hunger, Isabel Jonet, quoted in the statement, praised the “ever-present solidarity of the Portuguese people.”

” We cannot fail to highlight the role of the volunteers, people of all ages, with diverse political and religious convictions who, participating side-by-side, contribute in a fraternal and supportive way to a more just and cohesive society,” added Jonet.

This weekend’s in-person campaign involved approximately 42,000 volunteers in more than 2,000 commercial establishments across the country.

Until December 7th, it will continue to be possible to contribute to this cause through vouchers available in supermarkets or on the online platform at www.alimentestaideia.pt.

In 2024, the 21 Food Banks Against Hunger operating in Portugal distributed a total of 27.5 million kilograms of food, an average movement of 109 tons per working day, for an estimated total value exceeding 45 million euros.

 

December brings changes: (very) cold weather, rain, and even snowfall are coming.

Given the change in weather conditions, the Directorate-General of Health recommends preventive measures and reminds the public that there is an increased risk of respiratory illnesses and worsening of chronic conditions.

December has arrived, bringing with it a new change in the weather. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) forecasts cold weather across the mainland and rain in some northern regions of the country for the coming days. Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Porto are under a yellow weather warning.

“This is where the front may bring slightly more intense precipitation, in the late afternoon/early evening period today. Afterwards, the front will move further south and inland, but with less activity; it will rain, but without as much intensity, and it does not justify issuing a warning,” adds meteorologist Jorge Ponte, from IPMA.

Minimum temperatures will drop across the country, with those in the North expected to reach sub-zero levels.

“(…) in the higher altitude areas, temperatures will drop below freezing, hence the snowfall,” adds Jorge Pinto, noting that this can happen between 1,000 and 1,200 meters of altitude .

IPMA also warns of the disruption caused by snowfall, with accumulation and possible ice formation, in the districts of Guarda and Castelo Branco.

Improvements are only expected from next Wednesday, December 3rd, a day when a slight rise in temperature is forecast, but rain will still continue in the North and Central regions.

“The pattern for this week is somewhat like this: alternating periods of rain and showers, (…) it will always rain more in the North and Center than in the South,” concludes the meteorologist.

Due to the cold weather, the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) recommends preventive measures and reminds the public that cold weather increases the risk of respiratory illnesses and the worsening of chronic conditions.

“Soup is a fundamental element in hydration because it not only hydrates and warms you, but also because of the vitamins and antioxidants present in the vegetables,” advises João Ramos, a specialist in general and family medicine.

 

The DGS (Directorate-General of Health) also advises dressing in layers, wearing a hat, gloves and a scarf, and avoiding prolonged exposure to the cold.

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 26^th November 2025

We start our weekly report with two disturbing developments. The first of these involves the arrest of 11 volunteer firefighters from the Fundão Volunteer Firefighters Humanitarian Association who are suspected of having committed “two rape crimes and one sexual coercion,” the Judicial Police revealed on Tuesday. The victim is a 19-year-old firefighter subjected to an initiation ritual involving “violent sexual acts.” In a statement, the PJ (Judicial Police) states that the crimes were committed at two different times, inside the barracks in Fundão and Soalheira. The suspects include individuals with responsibilities in the corporation’s hierarchy, including a chief and a deputy chief. Among the evidence gathered are images from CCTV cameras and videos made during the initiation ritual, showing the alleged crimes being committed by the firefighters. However, the Commander says they will not be suspended from their duties!

This a terrible ordeal for the young firefighter concerned. It is important that those responsible are held to account for such despicable criminal acts. Regardless of the commanders decision, the judicial authority at the first hearing can set conditions in the application of coercive measures, that would effectively prohibit those arrested from carrying out their duties – such as being placed in custody – house arrest etc. Apart from this investigation by the Judicial Police, we would call for a wider inquiry should be conducted into whether there have been previous occasions where similar “initiations” have been held, whether in this corporation or others.

The second disturbing report involves the arrest of ten GNR and one PSP officer allegedly involved in a human trafficking network. The Judiciary Police is carrying out a large-scale operation in Beja, designated “Fair Harvest,” to dismantle an alleged human trafficking network. Approximately 300 PJ inspectors from Lisbon, Évora, and the Algarve are involved. Around 50 search warrants and 17 arrest warrants are being executed in Beja, Portalegre, Figueira da Foz, and Porto. The crimes under investigation are aiding illegal immigration, forgery, tax fraud, and money laundering.

Those arrested are expected to begin being questioned this Wednesday at the Central Criminal Court in Lisbon, according to the Lusa news agency. The National Republican Guard (GNR) says there is no place in that structure for military personnel who corrupt the honour and ethics of the guard. The military force says it repudiates acts that call into question dignity and human rights.

Turning to wildfires a report recently released by the OECD into the 2024 and 2025 wildfires in Portugal revealed “coordination failures” between the different forces on the ground, causing delays in response time and increasing their spread..

“Coordination failures between different forces delay response time to fires and increase their spread. The creation of forest firefighting forces in Portugal reinforced the rapid response to fires in forest areas. However, it also contributed to unclear command structures between civil protection, volunteer, and forest firefighting forces,” concludes the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in the report “Towards Integrated Management of Rural Fires in Portugal,” which Lusa had access to. The preliminary conclusions of this project, funded by the European Union and carried out in collaboration with the Agency for Integrated Rural Fire Management (AGIF), were presented by OECD technicians to Portuguese members of parliament in the Assembly of the Republic.

For the country to create “a stronger institutional framework,” the OECD recommends clarifying the roles and command structures among firefighters and strengthening their capacity. The organization also proposes the development of “a long-term financing strategy for forest fires, in order to increase the efficiency of expenditure on forest fire management.”

Our team wish you a safe and happy week ahead.

News

Food Bank holds another food drive this weekend.

The Food Bank against Hunger (BA) will hold a new food collection campaign in 2,000 stores, with the help of more than 41,000 volunteers, next weekend, the organization announced today.

In a statement, BA explains that “this solidarity action, well known to the Portuguese people,” is an “invitation to share food with those who need it most, so that they can have a more dignified life.”

“The mechanics of participating in the campaign are simple and well known to the Portuguese: during the weekend of November 29th and 30th, simply accept the invitation from one of the more than 41,000 volunteers, distributed across more than 2,000 stores, place non-perishable food products (milk, canned goods, olive oil, sugar, flour, pasta) in the Food Bank bag and share them with those who need them most,” the statement reads.

The campaign, which runs until December 7th through the website www.alimentestaideia.pt and the purchase of product vouchers available at supermarket checkouts, “calls for participation in this real social network that is renewed to help bring food to those in need with food donations.”

Quoted in the statement, the president of the Portuguese Federation of Food Banks Against Hunger, Isabel Jonet, explains that the donated products will then be sent to the warehouses of the 21 Food Banks from north to south of the country, where they are weighed, sorted and packaged.

“The proceeds are distributed locally to people with food insecurity through more than 2,400 social solidarity institutions, previously selected and monitored in their daily activities,” the official stated.

According to available information, the 21 Food Banks distributed 27,448 tons of food last year (with an estimated value of 45 million euros) to 2,400 institutions, delivering the food to nearly 380,000 people with proven food needs, in the form of food baskets or prepared meals.

The Food Bank was created in Portugal in 1991 with the mission of fighting food waste and distributing support to those who most need food, in partnership with solidarity institutions and based on volunteer work.

There are currently 21 Food Banks (in the areas of Abrantes, Algarve, Aveiro, Beja, Braga, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Cova da Beira, Évora, Leiria-Fátima, Lisbon, Madeira, West Zone, Portalegre, Porto, São Miguel, Santarém, Setúbal, Terceira, Viana do Castelo and Viseu).

Phone fraud using AI-generated voices is skyrocketing.

The number of scams using automated calls more than doubled by 2025. The use of artificial intelligence in voice cloning has made the schemes increasingly difficult to detect.

Scammers create urgent situations, claim problems with bank accounts or cryptocurrency wallets, and suggest immediate transfers to accounts controlled by criminals. Telephone fraud is becoming more sophisticated. In the Netherlands, the office responsible for combating fraud says that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is causing more and more people to be deceived.

“People are called from an unknown number and, if they answer, they receive a proposal or instructions that seem legitimate.”

In 2024, approximately five thousand complaints of this type of fraud were registered. By 2025, that number had already surpassed twelve thousand. And the financial impact had also increased significantly.

AI technology is being used to clone voices with alarming accuracy. Wouter van Dongen, founder of DongIT, a cybersecurity company, says that even experts are having difficulty distinguishing the real from the fake. AI systems are able to hold realistic conversations, responding coherently to human interactions.

“Personally, I can still tell the difference, but some people can’t. The voices are becoming increasingly credible. If you respond in a certain way, the AI ​​will also respond appropriately.”

According to experts, the only way to protect yourself is to stay informed and, if in doubt, end the call immediately. Awareness is the best defense against this new generation of digital fraud.

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 12^th November 2025

Good afternoon everyone. In terms of climate change an important event is taking place in Brazil – COP 30. Specifically Portugal is one of the signatory countries of the “Call to Action on Integrated Fire Management and Wildfire Resilience”, approved within the framework of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) , which is taking place in Belém do Pará, Brazil.

In the commitment “Call to Action on Integrated Fire Management and Forest Fire Resilience,” the signatories acknowledge that wildfires are one of the most dramatic manifestations of climate change, affecting all States equally and constituting a challenge that “no country is capable of facing alone.” COP 30 reinforces “our shared commitment in scaling up Integrated Fire Management (IFM). Of the 10 main provisions the following two stand out as very relevant and necessary in addressing some of these important issues.

Firstly is a commitment to promote a global transition from reactive fire suppression toward proactive, prevention-driven, inclusive and ecological fire management strategies that strengthen adaptation and contribute to mitigation, protect biodiversity and combat desertification, through risk-informed planning and implementation covering the entire fire cycle (prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and ecological use of fire). In Portugal we have seen a dramatic change in this direction over the last five years from the high percentage of budget previously being spent on suppression of fires, to prevention.

Strengthening international Cooperation: prevent, fight and recover from wildfires by taking integrated action to reduce the incidence and negative impacts of wildfires and ensure our readiness to help each other and our partners; this includes enhancing collaboration across borders and institutions, consistent with the UNFCCC’s call for the widest possible cooperation, by, where relevant, and consistent with international legal frameworks, sharing technologies, expertise, and resources, and by enhancing interoperability, including developing common protocols for emergency coordination, capacity development, and regional fire governance, in line with the nature of fires and responses associated with them, as well as work under the FAO-hosted Global Fire Management Hub.

Black Friday which this year is 28^th November is approaching, but in reality the sales have already started in the shops and on-line. Black Friday period is one of those that registers the greatest increase in digital scams, especially phishing scams. In this type of scam, criminals clone pages of well-known stores and create fake websites to steal data or money from consumers.

The last two years have seen the emergence of AI (Artificial Intelligence) used by criminals, which is making holiday shopping scams increasingly difficult to spot. Scammers use machine learning to analyse consumer behaviour, crafting targeted attacks that exploit urgency and trust. For instance, fake online stores pop up overnight, offering unbelievable discounts on hot items, only to vanish after collecting payment and personal data. Safe Communities has prepared a feature in this week’s Portugal Resident (out tomorrow) which explains what has changed and advice on how to spot AL generated scams. If you intend to purchase goods on-line I suggest you study this first.

Yet another storm is approaching and that is Storm Claudia now starting to effect Madeira.

The ANEPC have issued a warning to the population which advises people to take special care when driving and staying near tree-lined areas, being aware of the possibility of falling branches and trees due to stronger winds. Also to be extra careful when driving near the coast and riverfront areas historically more vulnerable to floodwaters coastlines, avoiding traffic and staying in these places. The full advice can be found on our Facebook page yesterday and on our website in English here: https://www.safecommunitiesportugal.com/current-anpc-weather-warning-to-the-population-2/

Please follow the IPMA weather warnings and ANEPC advice and have a safe week ahead.

News:

Healthcare professionals set an example after appeal for blood donations.

There is a risk of blood shortages in hospitals because reserves are below normal. The situation is not yet considered critical, but authorities are again asking the public for help. In hospitals like the one in Braga, healthcare professionals themselves are setting an example.

The appeal from the Portuguese Federation of Voluntary Blood Donors (FEPODABES) resonated even within its own walls. Joana, who works at the Braga Local Health Unit, heard the requests and wanted to donate blood for the first time.

“We were having a coffee chat, our boss spoke up and emphasized the need for blood donation, and I said that I had never donated before and that I would like to do so. She took the opportunity to invite me to become part of this great family that is blood donors,” the professional told SIC.

But it wasn’t the only one. The drop in reserves happens every year around this time. And to prevent the situation from becoming critical, the appeals are repeated.

Aldara Braga, clinical director of the ULS of Braga, states that “there are some unforeseen circumstances that lead to donors being a little less frequent at this time of year ,” due to “infectious incidents.” Work-related issues can also impact donation, and therefore, “the appeal is always, always, always relevant.”

Thanks to the increased donations in recent days, reserves have already begun to improve, and the appeal is nationwide. This appeal has also come from the Portuguese Federation of Donors, which warns of some obstacles that continue to hinder the process.

“Many hospitals that collect blood today have a schedule that makes us very apprehensive, which is closing at three or four in the afternoon. And then we don’t have enough professionals to collect as many blood samples as are needed, which causes the blood supply to decrease,” says Alberto Mota. 

From the ground to the sky: International Hot Air Balloon Festival returns with colors and night time magic.

The event includes daytime flights near the Benavila dam in Avis, and the ‘Night Glow’ night time show in Ponte de Sor, transforming the region’s skies into a palette of vibrant colors.

These days, the Alentejo sky is filled with balloons. The International Hot Air Balloon Festival is taking place in that region until the 13th.

Everything was ready for another day of the festival. It dawned gray, but with safety conditions that allowed for flying, and that increased the anticipation and anxiety.

Still on the ground, next to the Benavila dam in Avis, the colours of the balloon tarpaulins painted the banks of the reservoir. There are 33 pilots of six different nationalities: some come for a mission, others for the scenery, but all for the passion of flying.

The palette of colours invaded the skies of Alentejo, and the anxiety of before gave way to a calm that, during the flight, is only interrupted by the flares.

And the images did not disappoint. Despite the grey weather, once up here it’s desirable to land, and if it’s done with some subtlety, all the better.

The thing is, this ballooning business isn’t exactly an exact science, except in the construction. Many of the balloons that have flown at the festival are manufactured in Madrid, in the only factory on the Iberian Peninsula and one of the few in Europe.

At night, the magic happens again in the skies of Alentejo, this time in Ponte de Sor, with the Night Glow show.

The International Hot Air Balloon Festival is in the air until the 13th. You can check the program on the organization’s website or try your luck and look up at the sky.

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 22^nd October 2025

Good afternoon. We start this weekly report with the excellent work being undertaken both by the PSP and GNR. The first is the arrest of seven people during a mega-operation that culminated in the seizure of 5.8 tons of hashish. This is the largest amount of drugs ever seized by the PSP, with an estimated value of over several million euros, this police force announced in the final balance sheet.

Also seized were 580,000 euros in cash, 10 vehicles, 21 cell phones, two satellite phones, two automatic weapons, five pistols, a shotgun, a revolver, three electric weapons, around 500 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, two speedboats, six boats, 21 high-powered engines, six luxury watches, around 15,000 litres of gasoline, video surveillance systems (CCTV), solar panels and communication inhibitors, the PSP announced this Tuesday.

The investigation, which lasted eight months , revealed that the network used drug storage facilities located in strategic areas to facilitate transport by sea, “also possessing weapons, communication equipment and logistical support, which demonstrate a high degree of sophistication and danger”, said the PSP. We congratulate the PSP for their professionalism, and coordination in undertaking such a thorough investigation and well planned and successful operation. Clearly it was a dangerous operation given the type of weapons seized. Well done!

The second, this time by the GNR involves the arrest of two suspects for more than one hundred thefts of non-precious metals from electric vehicle charging stations in the districts of Santarém, Setúbal, Leiria, Lisbon, and Évora. Two of the establishments are located in the Óbidos area.

The investigation had been ongoing for about a month and after the suspects were identified, the Santarém Territorial Command of the GNR executed two arrest warrants and carried out three searches (two at homes and one at a waste management operator).The operation, carried out with the support of the GNR Territorial Commands of Setúbal, Leiria, Lisbon and Évora and the PSP, allowed the seizure of electric charging cables, electric cable dismantling machinery, material from dismantling, cutting shears and protective material, documents related to transactions of non-precious metals and computer equipment and a motor vehicle.

The following case in Alcobaça involves the arrest of two people for fraud, document forgery, possession of prohibited weapons, and misuse of name, emblem, or uniform. The GNR Leiria Territorial Command, through the Criminal Investigation Unit (NIC) in Caldas da Rainha,on, October 20, arrested a man and a woman, aged 37 and 41, in the town of Benedita, in the municipality of Alcobaça.

As part of a criminal investigation that has been ongoing for approximately four months. The GNR officers executed three search warrants: one at a residence and two at a vehicle. Following the operation, two security searches were also conducted on the suspects, resulting in arrests and the seizure of an extensive range of items belonging to the GNR and PSP. The reason why the two arrested should have such a large range of items, has not been disclosed, although the word “misuse” indicates that the suspects were, using, or planning to use, the items, in order to approach members of the public pretending to be police officers

Despite this there are reports in the media that there is public concern that the use of violence in crime is increasing certainly in Lisbon, although the Minister of Internal Administration commented when asked, that “perception does not always reflect reality”. She acknowledged however that, “there is indeed some increase in violent crime, but not as much as the media reports,” argues the Minister of Internal Affairs, Maria Lúcia Amaral. Last week, police recorded five cases of people being shot. In particular, a man was admitted to Amadora-Sintra Hospital in the early hours of Monday morning with gunshot wounds to the knee, after another young man was also left outside the same hospital last Sunday with abdominal injuries.

However, this perception of insecurity was certainly not improved, with the attack yesterday by a person using a sharp weapon at the facilities of the Picapau Association, a drug addiction treatment centre located in Almoster, (not in Lisbon) but in the municipality of Santarém. Two of the victims, who were in serious condition, were transported to Santarém Hospital, while the others were assessed on site by emergency teams. More details are not known at present.

Our team wishes you all the best for the week ahead

News

The European Anti-Torture Committee calls on Portuguese authorities to “completely eradicate” physical abuse by police, adding that complaints continue despite progress made in recent years.

In the report released this Tuesday (October 21) on a visit to Portugal in 2024, the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) states that it observed “a decrease” in allegations of ill-treatment by law enforcement officials compared to previous visits to the country”, and that measures were also taken by the Portuguese authorities to address this issue.

However, it highlights that “concerns continue to exist,” having received several allegations of physical mistreatment by Portuguese police, including “excessive use of force during detention.”

“The alleged mistreatment consisted primarily of punches, kicks to the body and/or head and, occasionally, the use of batons,” the document states.

The complaints also included being thrown against a wall, pressure on the head with a foot or on the neck with a knee or baton, “despite the detainees having already been controlled,” the rapporteurs write, also reporting reports of verbal threats and acts of humiliation.

The document makes reference to the need to ensure medical care and better reporting of injuries.

“The Portuguese authorities must remain vigilant and continue their efforts, in line with a zero-tolerance policy, to completely eradicate police mistreatment. They must, in particular, improve reporting of such cases, both internally and to the competent investigative bodies, and provide adequate training to law enforcement officials,” recommend the experts from the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman Treatment.

The Committee expressed “deep concern about persistent failures in the response of the Portuguese criminal justice system,” which it said poses a risk to trust in the Portuguese authorities.

“Regarding access to a lawyer, this right does not appear to be guaranteed to people in police custody in all cases, from the beginning of the deprivation of liberty,” the report’s authors noted.

“The CPT continued to note omissions on the part of prison establishments, as well as the General Inspectorate of Internal Administration (IGAI) and the General Inspectorate of Justice Services, in communicating possible cases of mistreatment by law enforcement officials to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, as well as cases in which allegations or information indicating mistreatment were not responded to, or were responded to insufficiently quickly, by this service,” the document adds.

The committee also highlighted the need to improve communication and information sharing between criminal and disciplinary investigation bodies, especially in cases where disciplinary and criminal proceedings run in parallel.

The authors of the documents also request that agents be identified during operations and dispute the fact that some agents cover their faces.

The Committee for the Prevention of Torture also recommends that authorities implement the use of body cameras , a measure that, the report’s authors emphasize, offers additional protection against the “risk of excessive use and other forms of treatment, also guaranteeing protection [for officers] against any allegations of ill-treatment.”

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 15^th October 2025

Good afternoon. If you have been monitoring the weather forecasts over the last week, you will see that whereas Portugal has had generally fine weather, this is not the case with our neighbours Spain. Yesterday AEMET raised to a red level warning for torrential rain in the south of the province of Valencia, in effect until at least 15:00 (local time).

The best news is the announcement by Civil Protection is that no one is missing, a circumstance almost surprising given the magnitude of the storm and the images of the streets of several municipalities turned into flooded rivers. Despite this, 18 injuries have been reported, one of them seriously injured after falling, fracturing his hip, and being taken to the hospital. The rest received minor treatments. The Generalitat’s Fire Brigade responded to 340 calls between 17:30 on Sunday (Oct 12) and 7:00 (Oct 13). Thirty-one people were rescued, most of them in their cars on flooded roads.

The powerful DANA was an unprecedented event of torrential rain that broke historical records, for instance with 280 l/m2 in Mas de Barberans, Tarragona.

On the 10th October the Region of Murcia experienced a complicated day due to the heavy rainfall caused by DANA Alice, especially along the Cartagena coast, where up to 120 l/m2 accumulated in just a few hours. Due to this situation, 101 people were forced to evacuate from a campsite that was at risk of flooding, as well as residents of the Bahía Bella and La Algameca residential areas, who were also affected by accumulated rain.

We advise, therefore,  those travelling to parts of Spain, especially areas that have a history of intense rain to check forecasts carefully before heading out. We publish heavy rain and storm warnings on this page and in more detail on our Facebook Group “Safe Communities Portugal Protection again Natural Hazards.

CP railways has opened an investigation, following “internal procedures”, to determine “possible causes and possible improvement actions” that led to Monday’s incident in which an Intercidades (Inter City) train lost one of its carriages midway through a journey between Lisbon and Faro.

CP in a statement said that “Passenger safety was not affected, as the trains are designed to brake and immobilize vehicles in these situations, as happened,” CP said. As for the passengers, they were “safely taken to the remaining carriages” and, “after checking all the carriages and their safety conditions, the train continued its journey to Faro”.

Publico stated: “There were no injuries, nor is the situation potentially very dangerous, as a broken coupling causes a rupture in the main brake line, bringing the train to an immediate stop. On all CP trains, the carriages are always connected by automatic brake lines. If the train accidentally splits (as was the case with the coupling break), both separate sections of the train stop automatically, regardless of the line’s gradient”. “Everything indicates that some maintenance failure led to the coupler’s failure, as CP has been having difficulty performing general overhauls on its carriages. Currently, one in five Intercidades carriages is parked in workshops awaiting maintenance or repairs”.

It is important that the investigation is completed quickly and thoroughly given the large number of passengers that travel daily on the Inter City trains throughout the mainland.

Lastly please remember that the fire risk remains very high in places so we much not be complacent when it comes to fire prevention. The ground is still very dry in some places and yesterday much of the mainland had a minimum relativity of under 30%. Remember a small spark can cause a very large fire. Follow the regulations in place.

Have a good week ahead 

News:

CP opens investigation to “determine the causes” of “anomaly” that separated train carriage

In a clarification to SIC, CP confirmed the incident that occurred this Monday at “around 4 pm” indicating that the train in question “had an anomaly when leaving Grândola station”.

CP has opened an investigation, following “internal procedures”, to determine “possible causes and possible improvement actions” that led to Monday’s incident in which an Intercidades train lost one of its carriages midway through a journey between Lisbon and Faro.

In a clarification to SIC, CP confirmed the incident that occurred this Monday “around 4 pm” indicating that the train in question “had an anomaly when leaving Grândola station”.

The problem was caused by “a rupture in the coupling between two trains, which resulted in the train’s carriages separating.” According to the company, “there are no previous records of this failure occurring in the mechanical element that broke.”

“Passenger safety was not affected, as the trains are designed to brake and immobilize vehicles in these situations, as happened,” CP said.

As for the passengers, they were “safely taken to the remaining carriages” and, “after checking all the carriages and their safety conditions, the train continued its journey to Faro”.

As for the carriage that separated from the train, the company indicates that “it was rescued in Grândola with the help of a Medway locomotive”.

The company guarantees that “periodic maintenance of all rolling stock is scrupulously carried out by the company” and the inspection plan “is being carried out as planned”.

As reported this morning, the Aircraft and Railway Accident Prevention and Investigation Office has also opened an investigation to gather more information about the incident.

According to the newspaper Público, which broke the news this Tuesday, one in every five Intercidades carriages is stopped waiting for maintenance or repairs.

Theranostics: medicine’s latest investment in cancer diagnosis and treatment

It allows doctors to pinpoint the location of tumour cells and deliver radiation treatment to them to kill them. The Porto IPO was the country’s largest medical centre to invest in this technology, with encouraging results for patients.

It’s just a feeling, but exactly the one you’re looking for after years of cancer treatments. “I think my disease has practically disappeared with this treatment,” Albano Soares tells SIC.

“I’m much better. I didn’t eat, I didn’t sleep, I didn’t walk – I went through all those phases – and now I eat, I sleep, I breathe well and I’m much better. I can get dressed by myself and everything, and back then I couldn’t even do that.”

This is a successful case of prostate cancer resulting from a nuclear medicine therapeutic and diagnostic approach: theranostics. This is a highly personalized approach to the patient and the tumour. It’s only possible with highly qualified professionals and cutting-edge technology like this Gama Digital Camera. It’s been at the Porto IPO since July and is one of two in the entire country.

But not all cancer patients are suitable for this approach. For now, the radiopharmaceuticals prepared here at the Porto IPO are used as a second-line treatment for neuroendocrine tumours and as a last-line treatment for prostate tumours.

The Porto IPO’s investment in the theranostics field has already exceeded five million euros. It was the Portuguese unit that invested most heavily in this area. Last year, Porto’s nuclear medicine service performed approximately 16,000 procedures, 300 of which were therapeutic.

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 8 October 2025

Good morning. It was sad to learn that just five months into the 2025 Bathing Season, the National Maritime Authority recorded, between May 1 and September 30, 1,120 rescues, 3,787 first aid actions and 18 fatalities on Portuguese beaches. Eleven of the facilities were at unsupervised beaches.

A reminder that the new border management system – the Input/Exit System (EES) – will soon start. The EES is the new European system for automated external border control of the Schengen space that will gradually replace traditional passport stamps with centralized electronic registrations. It is intended for third country citizens traveling to Europe, for short-term stays.

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations on 12 October 2025. European countries using the EES will introduce the system gradually at their external borders. This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.

In case you are not aware the French air traffic controllers have called off a three-day strike that threatened to disrupt European flights from, 7^th – 10^th October, a top union said on Saturday. We mention this because at least one online news organisation does not appear to be aware of this stating this afternoon that “the strike appears to be having little effect!”

The main union in the sector, the SNCTA, announced the suspension of its strike notice for Tuesday to Thursday following consultations with the Civil Aviation Authority and “agreements” with the management. The union, which represents around 60 percent of workers, has pushed for better pay and conditions. The statement also referred to a promise by new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu not to ram his austerity budget through parliament without a vote, seen as a key concession to the opposition.

The main French air traffic control union, SNCTA, has announced a strike from 7 to 10 October 2025, which is expected to cause tens of thousands of flight cancellations and delays across Western Europe.

A reminder concerning scams. Fake emails and SMSs are circulating in the name of ANSR (National Road Safety Authority) with summit notifications and payment requests. BE CAREFUL! THE ANSR WILL NEVER: Send notifications by email or SMS; Request payments through links; Use digital media for official communications. All notifications are always sent by PHYSICAL MAIL. If you receive a suspicious message: Do NOT click on any links; DO NOT provide personal data; DO NOT make payments. In case of any doubt, contact ANSR 214 236 800

This is not the only scam. Another one concerns an alleged debt owed to SNS. If you receive a message asking you to pay for a supposed emergency room visit, do not click on the link, do not make any payment, and do not enter any personal or banking information. The Viseu Dão-Lafões Local Health Unit (ULS) warned, last Friday, about the circulation of mobile phone messages (sms) in the name of the National Health Service (SNS) about outstanding amounts and with a ‘link’ to pay.

According to a press release, the ULS states that “fake SMS messages are circulating in the name of the SNS and the Ministry of Health” and these messages “refer to the existence of outstanding amounts relating to the emergency, which must be paid within five days”.

Our team wish you all the very best for the week ahead.

News

Case of pulmonary tuberculosis detected in a hotel in the Lisbon region

The case is undergoing clinical and therapeutic monitoring at the Community Respiratory Consultation in the area of ​​residence, according to the DGS, which, for now, rules out “evidence of increased risk” for the population.

Health authorities are monitoring a case of pulmonary tuberculosis detected in a hotel in the Lisbon region, identifying high-risk contacts and referring them for screening. The information was released this Tuesday by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).

In a response to the Lusa news agency, following a report of tuberculosis cases in a hotel, the DGS clarifies that, “to date, a case of pulmonary tuberculosis has been confirmed in a professional linked to a hotel establishment in the Lisbon region”.

According to the DGS, this case is undergoing clinical and therapeutic monitoring at the Community Respiratory Consultation in the area of ​​residence.

“To date, there is no evidence of an increased risk to the general population. All recommended isolation and treatment measures have been followed by the case,” he emphasizes.

The DGS states that The DGS states that health authorities and other partners are identifying “at-risk contacts based on their exposure to the case and referring them for screening,” following public health standards and guidelines applicable to these cases.

Airborne transmission

Pulmonary tuberculosis is transmitted mainly through the air, when a person with the disease releases small infected particles when coughing, talking or sneezing, says the DGS, highlighting that the risk of contagion depends on the severity of the disease, the proximity and duration of contact and the conditions of the location.

“Only tuberculosis that affects the respiratory tract is contagious. When a case is identified, health authorities track close contacts—people who spent several hours with the patient—to detect possible infections,” he emphasizes.

The health authority explains that screening begins by ruling out active disease, through symptoms and a chest X-ray, and continues with a blood test (IGRA) that assesses whether there has been previous contact with the bacteria.

Screening aims to ensure early detection of disease cases and prevention of transmission. 

SPAIN – AEMET names the first major storm/dana (cut-off low) of the 2025-2026 season: storm/dana Alice.

From now on, the most adverse Dana will also have their own names. The name Dana comes from the acronym DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos – Cut-off low in English). By nature, these systems develop in a complex manner and are difficult to predict. In conjunction with other factors, they are capable of generating very intense, locally torrential, precipitation (rain and snow) and high-impact storms.

Storm/Dana ALICE – Will cause very heavy and persistent downpours in areas of the eastern Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands in the coming days.

 Take extreme precautions and check the current warnings on the AEMET website and the AEMET app.

Start: Late Wednesday Oct 8th

Duration: At least until Sunday Oct 12th

Probability: High (70%)

Tomorrow, Wednesday Oct 8th, a trough with an associated cold mass air at mid-levels will enter the western Iberian Peninsula and advance eastward, forming several vortices within it over the following days, giving rise to Storm/Dana Alice.

At surface level, a powerful northerly high pressure system will foster an easterly and north easterly flow with a maritime path that will bring abundant moisture to the Mediterranean coast.

This configuration will be fairly stationary, leading to a blocking situation that will cause the DESCRIBED CONDITIONS TO PERSIST FOR SEVERAL DAYS, WITH VERY HEAVY AND PERSISTENT RAINFALL AFFECTING MAINLY THE EASTERN THIRD OF THE PENINSULA AND THE BALEARIC ISLANDS from late tomorrow, Wednesday Oct 8th, and at least until Sunday Oct 12th.

The area with the highest accumulations throughout the episode will be THE AREA AROUND CABO DE LA NAO, PARTICULARLY THE COASTAL AND PRE-COASTAL AREAS OF SOUTHERN VALENCIA AND NORTHERN ALICANTE. The showers could lead to local flash flooding in low-lying areas, streams, and drainage channels, so the potential danger level of this situation is high.

 As of today, the highest accumulations, the most adverse situation, is expected in the south of the province of Valencia (Sueca, Cullera, Gandía, Oliva), the north of Alicante (Denia, Pego, Vall de Ebo, Ondara), and the extreme southeast of Murcia (Cabo de Palos and Mar Menor). These areas are highly exposed to north easterly winds, which are expected to predominate. Elsewhere, rain is also expected, but intermittent and less intense.

West Antarctica hides almost a hundred volcanoes under the ice:

The colossal West Antarctic ice sheet hides what appears to be the largest volcanic region on the planet, according to the results of a study carried out by researchers at the University of Edinburgh (UK) and reported in the journal Geological Society.

Experts have discovered as many as 91 volcanoes under Antarctic ice, the largest of which is as high as Switzerland’s Eiger volcano, rising 3,970 meters above sea level

According to o experts, the area has many similarities to the East African volcanic ridge, which currently holds the record for the densest concentration of volcanoes in the world. They remotely surveyed the underside of the ice sheet to detect hidden peaks of basaltic rock, like those of other volcanoes in the region whose tips or spikes press above the ice.

By analysing the land beneath the ice, the ice and comparing the results with satellite and database records, as well as geological information from aerial assessments, the geologists found 91 previously unknown volcanoes, ranging in height from 100 to 3,850 meters.

“We found 180 peaks, but we discounted 50 because they didn’t match the other data,” explains Robert Bingham, co-author of the paper. They eventually found 138 peaks under the West Antarctic ice sheet, including 47 volcanoes already known because their peaks protrude through the ice, leaving the figure of 91 newly discovered.