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Situation Reports news and reviews

 

The Algarve Report Wednesday 12 October 2022

by Mike Evans

Good day to you all as we are starting to see the change of the season with a little dowsing of rain overnight. Whether this is the start of a prolonged spell remains to be seen but the situation regarding water is still critical with some municipalities starting to look at rationing.

The president of the Intermunicipal Community of the Algarve (AMAL) has warned that, if it does not rain in the coming months, “more difficult” measures will have to be taken to combat the drought. such as reducing “part or all” of agriculture’s access to available water or “restraining” public consumption through a “significant increase” in water bills.

In March, the Algarve municipalities approved a set of measures to reduce drought in the region, such as the closure of some public swimming pools in the summer, the limitation of irrigation in green spaces or their conversion to species that need less water.

According to data from the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), the Algarve dams currently have only 90 cubic hectometres (millions of cubic metres) of water in reserve, when the annual public (urban) consumption is 72, rising to 110 if the consumption of agricultural units is added.

“This means that if it doesn’t rain more than last year, there will be no water to continue serving both types of consumption”, said the mayor.

Meanwhile here is some of the other news from across the Algarve in the past week.

Foreign Woman Arrested On Suspicion of Torturing Minors

The Foreigners and Borders Service ( SEF ) revealed that it detained, on Friday, October 7, in Faro , a 42-year-old woman who was on Interpol’s red alert on suspicion of torturing minors. In a statement, the SEF does not specify the nationality of the detainee, pointing out that she is “a foreign citizen” who will be extradited.

Interpol’s red alert called for the suspect’s arrest.In agreement with the SEF, the alert was issued on September 27 and “provided a six-year prison sentence as the reason for the arrest”.

The same source specifies that the 42-year-old woman was presented to the judge of the Court of Appeal of Évora, and her detention was validated for further extradition.

2 Men Arrested For Cultivating Cannabis In Monchique

Two men, aged 53 and 40, were arrested on Monday, October 3, for the crime of cultivation and drug trafficking in the Monchique area , announced the National Republican Guard ( GNR ).

After several investigations, the Faro Territorial Command, through the Criminal Investigation Nucleus, detected a cannabis plantation and five search warrants were carried out, three of them at home and another three at home.

2521 doses of cannabis, 49 doses of hashish, six grams of cannabis seeds, two cannabis plants, a mobile phone, a precision digital scale and 960 euros in cash were seized.

In another incident, A 40-year-old man was arrested in Tunes , in the municipality of Silves , on Tuesday, October 4, for drug trafficking, on IC1, announced the National Republican Guard (GNR).

During an action to signal and prevent a road accident, the suspect started an escape in the wrong direction but was immediately intercepted by the Faro Territorial Command, through the Traffic Detachment of the Algarve capital.

After approaching the suspect, the GNR found that he had a narcotic product in his possession, and a personal security search and a search of the vehicle were carried out, where 1424 doses of hashish were seized.

The detainee was made an accused and the facts communicated to the Judicial Court of Portimão.

Two People Rescued From Cliff in Vila do Bispo

Two people had to be rescued on Monday afternoon of October 10th, after being trapped in the middle of a cliff while trying to climb, between Salema beach and Boca do Rio beach, in the municipality of Vila do Bispo , announced the National Maritime Authority.

The alert was given at around 2:30 pm to the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre, with elements from the local Command of the Maritime Police of Lagos, the Lifeguard Station in Sagres, the SeaWatch project having been activated for the location. , a wide-angle team of the Volunteer Firefighters of Vila do Bispo and elements of INEM.

The man and woman, around 60 years old, of German nationality, were in good physical condition and were rescued from the top of the cliff by the Volunteer Firefighters of Vila do Bispo, without the need for medical assistance and ended up leaving the place by their own means.

Olhão To Hire Seven Agents for the Municipal Police

The Municipality of Olhao is to recruise a further seven officers for their Municipal Police force.

TheMunicipal Police officers operate within the scope of their powers in the Municipality, with emphasis on monitoring compliance with municipal regulations, urban planning, traffic, road inspection, administrative offences, crime prevention and proximity policing.

The Municipal Police of Olhão was created on May 7, 2018, being the first to be created in the Algarve, and one of the first in the country.

Covid-19 Transmissibility Index Dropped to 0.98 in Portugal

While the transmissibility Index for Covid 19 dropped as an average across the whole of the country the Algarve has still a rate higher than 1. In the latest Indicators issued by the Ricardo Jorge National Institute of Health (INSA). The Algarve rate is currently 1.07 which although lower than the previous figure still means that everyone who has covid is capable of passing it onto another person. We should all still remain careful when we are out and about.

Until the next time stay safe

 

Portugal Situation Report Wednesday 5th October 2022

Good morning – Today is Republic Day (Dia da República) which is celebrated on 5th October and commemorates the end of the monarchy and the establishment of Portugal as a Republic in 1910.

October 5th is in fact a date that has a “double” importance to Portugal. The Treaty of Zamora (5 October 1143) recognized Portuguese independence from the Kingdom of León and Castilla. A public holiday, which for 767 years until 1910 was always celebrated like a birthday of Portugal, is for many Portuguese today exactly the same birthday and a reason to remember their own and national history and identity.

Looking at various safety issues we published yesterday safety in the use of tractors. It is not only farmers that use these, but also those in rural communities, in the upkeep of their land.  Unfortunately every year there are injuries and deaths in the use of tractors which are largely preventable. It is important therefore to keep in mind that protective structures in case of rollover, such as the “Santo António” bow, provide protection and can prevent the death of the driver or reduce the severity of injuries. Also it is important to follow the various safety measures and of course avoid carrying passengers!

The season considered the most critical of rural fires and the one that mobilizes the largest number of means of combat ended on Friday 30 September, with a record of almost 110,000 hectares of burned forest, the highest value since 2017, and four deaths.

In a summer in which the drought rate was the highest since 2005 and in which there were high temperatures, the risk of fire was high, which led the Government to declare, in July, for the first time, a calamity situation in the entire continent and also the alert situation that took place on some days in July and August.

We are now in Level III of the DCEIR operational program for 2022, which means that the allocation of operatives is reduced to around 11,000, whereas under phase IV what is commonly referred to as the critical fire period there were around 13,000. However the number of aircraft remains the same at 60.

The weather forecast, certainly for the first half of October, remains at above average temperatures (yesterday reaching as high as C, which is certainly above average for this time of the year. Relative humidity levels are also generally low. As such it is extremely important to remain vigilant and be prepared in case of rural fires. As I said on KissFm Radio last Sunday

A reminder that from 3rd October 2022 around 1,000 UK nationals living in Porto can now obtain a new post-Brexit residence card (under the Withdrawal Agreement) at the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) service post. Please note that there is a need to await for an email from SEF, to arrange the booking of an appointment, do not try and visit the office concerned as it will be a wasted journey.

With that please have a safe day

News

Use of recycled waste-water

Lisbon, Oct 04, 2022 (Lusa) – The Minister of the Environment and Climate Action, Duarte Cordeiro, stated that it is necessary to accelerate the capacity to provide wastewater, and considered that one of the biggest challenges for the country is to improve the “governance of water”. ”.

Recalling that this is the second worst year of drought since 1931, prompting warnings for a future with less water, Duarte Cordeiro insisted on the need to save water in all sectors, in a context in which it is estimated that it will rain 15% less, possibly minus 25% by the end of the century.

Speaking at the end of an initiative in Lisbon called “We have water”, dedicated to innovation in the sector and organized by “Águas do Tejo Atlântico”, Duarte Cordeiro stressed that more and more water has to be reused, adding: “to improve governance of this resource is one of our biggest challenges”.

It is necessary, he said, to reduce losses, reduce consumption, make better use of abstractions and accelerate reuse, and also invest in desalination in some parts of the country.

Of the 600 million cubic meters of water that are consumed per year, part of them must be reused, said Duarte Cordeiro, who then symbolically presided over the launch of a new Vira beer (Vira Stout) that is produced with recycled water, a project by “Tejo Atlântico” which has already been awarded.

Specialists from the sector participated in the initiative and a study was discussed that indicates that the Portuguese are very concerned about the lack of water (four out of five) and the vast majority consider it the first need, and the majority of people also think that there is an excessive and abusive consumption of water.

Despite being sensitive to the problem of water scarcity, only one in three Portuguese people adopts rational behaviour in the use of water, according to the study.

Drug trafficking

The judicial Police and Brazilian Federal Police tighten the siege of a group caught in Portugal with 320kg of cocaine disguised in a “large load of açaí”

A new joint operation by the two police forces is related to the seizure of a ship with 320 kilos of cocaine in Portugal in June, which made three detainees at the time.

The Judiciary Police, the Brazilian Federal Police and Europol carried out another joint operation, this time to gain further evidence against a group of drug traffickers detected in the June operation.

 

Azores Situation Report Wednesday 5th October 2022

From our colleague in the Azores

Covid-19 

In the seven days from Friday 23rd of September until Thursday 29th of September there were 232 new positive cases of Covid-19 registered in the Azores, and a total of 1,856 tests performed. 237 people have recovered, and no new deaths have been recorded with the total still at 117 There are 247 active cases, 5 fewer than the previous week.

There are 6 patients in the region’s hospitals as of 30th of September with Covid, three of which are in hospital because of Covid. There are no patients in the ICU.

120737 people in the region have had Covid, that’s over 50% of the population.

Entrepreneurs worried about “serious insecurity” in the city of Ponta Delgada 

Several business associations expressed “deep concern” with the “increase in poverty, begging, alcoholism and drug addiction” in the city centre of Ponta Delgada and will request meetings with regional authorities and the police.

The position was expressed at a meeting that brought together the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ponta Delgada (CCIPD), the Regional Association of Tourist Activities Companies of the Azores (AREAT), the Local Accommodation Association (ALA), the Azorean Houses and the delegations the Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (APAVT), the Portuguese Hotel, Restaurant and Similar Association (AHRESP), the Portuguese Hospitality Association (AHP) and the Car Rental Industry Association (ARAC).

In a statement, the Ponta Delgada Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the business associations had decided to request meetings with the president of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, with the mayor of Ponta Delgada, Pedro Nascimento Cabral, and the PSP Regional Command, in view of the “situation of insecurity and begging” in Ponta Delgada.

The businessmen considered that the competent authorities should take “urgent measures”, justifying that “the problems that are being verified” are “different from those that occurred a few years ago”.

“The behaviour and profile of beggars are very different, being more aggressive and closely associated with problems with alcohol and drugs. Faced with this new reality, old policies and measures persist to combat them, the results of which are unacceptable”, warned the businessmen.

According to the associations, the occurrences are mainly in the centre of Ponta Delgada, “but not only”.

There are, they say, “degrading situations carried out by homeless people”, others “alcoholic”, and still “drug addicts, who use public roads and spaces of commercial establishments for actions that jeopardize public health and safety”.

The businessmen also pointed to a “galloping begging” with “very aggressive and insistent behaviour towards local passers-by and visitors”.

In the opinion of businessmen, over the years there has been “an evident lack of accountability, cooperation and interconnection between the various entities that have the competence to combat these situations”.

Faced with the “serious situation we are currently experiencing” in terms of public health, public order, business associations are calling for urgent changes in social policies, because “they are not responding satisfactorily to the increase in poverty, begging, alcoholism and of drug addiction, with a view to helping and giving people greater dignity”.

“It is necessary for the Regional Government to do much more and better in this area”, reads the statement.

Entrepreneurs also ask for a concerted and integrated intervention by the PSP, the City Council and the Regional Government that allows “a joint action plan, in the short and medium term”.

They also ask for day and night policing by the municipal police, in cooperation with the PSP, which must also reinforce “active policing, on the street” and the awareness of judicial entities for law enforcement, which “takes this reality into account”.

Another of the measures proposed by the businessmen is the identification of critical places and a greater police presence in them, the restitution of public space (gardens, streets and squares) to families and tourists, who “have stopped using them, due to insecurity and the annoying constant aggressive begging”.

Eight crew members rescued after fishing boat fire. 

Eight crew members were rescued about 555 kilometres from the island of São Miguel, in the Azores, after a fire broke out on the fishing vessel where they were traveling.

Health centres start flu vaccination and Covid reinforcement 

Starting Tuesday, the 4th of October, health centres will have an open house for flu vaccination and seasonal Covid-19 reinforcement, but the Island Health Unit advises scheduling an appointment

Flávio Vieira, a nurse at the São Miguel Island Health Unit (USISM) responsible for vaccination, explains that the simultaneous administration of the fourth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine was initiated by the most vulnerable groups. vulnerable, namely by users and professionals of residential structures for the elderly (ERPI), but “from the 4th of October we will open the possibility to the rest of the eligible population”.

Each health centre will have, on its premises, a “vaccination centre”, operating during its working hours”, or if necessary during extended hours (decision will be made by each health centre according to needs), explains Flávio Vieira.

Vaccination against influenza and Covid-19 will take place in an open house regime, “but it will be limited to the daily vaccination capacity of each health centre”, since, “in one day, we can have more professionals at the service”. , and in another we may have less”, warns the official.

For this reason, “the population is advised to schedule the vaccination”, emphasizes the official.

.

It is necessary, however, to bear in mind that not everyone can take the fourth dose of the vaccine against Covid-19 – a circular from the Regional Health Directorate defined the groups eligible for the vaccine booster against Covid-19. It should also be noted that, while the fourth vaccine booster against Covid-19 can be taken by those over 60, only those over 65 are entitled to the free flu vaccine, along with pregnant women and people with certain pathologies (chronic and immunosuppressed patients), residents in ERPI and other institutions, and health professionals and other care providers.

Flávio Vieira stresses, however, that taking the flu vaccine is also recommended for those over 60 years of age, and below that age you can also get the flu vaccine, however the user must have a medical prescription and buy the vaccine at the pharmacy, then going to the health centre for administration. The person responsible for vaccination at USISM also leaves an alert for those who are not followed at the health centre and suffer from any of the pathologies in which the flu and Covid-19 vaccine is recommended: in these cases, you must bring a medical statement to certify who suffers from the pathology in question (there is a form available online), because in these cases the health centre’s computer system has not registered their pathology.

It should also be noted that the vaccine booster against Covid-19 can only be done three months after the last dose of the vaccine or a positive status.

USISM expects to receive a total of about 13,000 doses of the flu vaccine, reveals the nurse responsible for vaccination at USISM. The number of doses of the vaccine against Covid-19 has been progressively provided, as the shared services of the Ministry of Health become available. “It is based on the number of doses that we are given that we are establishing priorities and organizing the vaccination process”, emphasizes Flávio Vieira.

The nurse also explains that the Covid-19 vaccine gives immunity against the new variant, and that “this year, we are using two types of vaccines: one, more expensive, with a high dose specifically for home users and institutionalized elderly; and another vaccine for the general population”. Flávio Vieira says that the objective is to guarantee “greater immunity to a population group that in itself is more vulnerable, either individually or because it can be a focus of infection for other residents”.

Who can take the fourth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine?

People over 60 can be vaccinated, as well as health professionals, firefighters who transport patients, professionals from Residential Structures for the Elderly, Health Homes, Regional Network of Integrated Continuing Care, Prisons, Residential Homes, and Occupational Activities Centres. And even those over 12 and under 60 have certain risk pathologies, including diabetes, obesity, active malignancy, cardiovascular disease, transplantation, immunosuppression, neurological diseases, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, mental illness, and chronic liver disease (between 18 and 59 years old).

 

Madeira Situation Report Wednesday 5th October 2022

Bin collection disruption

Águas e Resíduos da Madeira (ARM) warned that bin collection services may be disrupted throughout this week. As such, it has advised the population not to leave rubbish and bin bags outside the bins. If the bins are full, the bin bags must be dropped in another bin or must be temporarily kept at home. It also reminded that rubbish left on the floor in public areas poses a risk to public health.

Porto Moniz road to be closed

The E.R. 101 will be closed to traffic at various times on October 8th, due to the Rampa Regional de Porto Moniz 2022. This will affect the stretch of road between Praça do Lyra and the parish of Santa do Porto Moniz (Igreja de Santa Maria Madalena – Santa Maria Madalena Church).

This road will be closed at the following times:

– From 08h15 to 09h35

– From 10h00 to 11h20

– From 11h40 to 12h50

– From 13h30 to 14h40

– From 15h15 to 16h25

– From 16h50 to 17h55

This road will be open at the following times:

– From 09h35 to 10h00

– From 11h20 to 11h40

– From 12h50 to 13h30

– From 14h40 to 15h15

– From 16h25 to 16h50

Drivers are advised to comply with the signs that will be placed in the area.

Ambulance sirens to be heard

The Regional Civil Protection Service (Serviço Regional de Protecção Civil) is providing training on defensive driving of ambulances, in which the practical training will take place in public roads from today (October 5th) until October 7th. Ambulance crews will be simulating a real emergency situation. As such, there will be plenty of ambulances on the move between the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos, Funchal, and Machico, with the lights and sirens on. There will be no reason for members of the public to be alarmed by the number of ambulances on the move.

4th Passion Fruit and Derivatives Exhibition to take place

The 4th edition of the Passion Fruit and Derivatives Exhibition (4ª Mostra do Maracujá e Derivados) is taking place in Ribeira Brava from October 7th to October 9th. Its aim is to promote and boost the production of passion fruit, showing its potential consumption both as a fresh fruit and through the enormous amount of derivatives. There will be food and drunk stalls, cooking shows, and plenty of entertainment. Passion fruit growers, companies making and selling passion fruit derivatives will have stands selling their produce.

One of the highlights on October 7th will be the opportunity to visit the stands of different official entities. The highlight on October 8th will be a cooking show that will be held by Bruno Gonçalves, who is a chef. The highlight on October 9th will be the passion fruit cocktail competition, which will be organised by the Madeira Barmen Association (Associação de Barmen da Madeira).

Charter flights between Funchal and Caracas will not start on October 16th

The Euroatlantic charter flights connecting Funchal and Caracas will no longer start on October 16th. They will instead start on October 30th, and will be operated until January 2nd.

The flight will be operated by a Boeing 767-300 aircraft, and will depart from Lisbon and make a stop in Funchal. It will will depart from Funchal at 12h30 and land in Caracas at 20h00. The return flight will depart from Caracas at 00h00 and land in Funchal at 07h00.

Power cut

Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier) announced there will be a power cuts due to scheduled work on the electricity supply network. This cannot be postponed and will take place in the following day and place:

FUNCHAL

October 7th – 00h00 to 06h00

– Rua dos Tanoeiros (numbers 65 to 91)

However, power could be restored during the time frame mentioned above. So, for safety purposes, it should be assumed that there will be power at any time during this period of time.

If necessary, customers can contact the free Customer Support Service number (Serviço de Apoio ao Cliente): 800 221 187.

 

 

The Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 5th October 2022

by Mike Evans

Good Morning, As we start to see the sprouts of Autumn weather here in the Algarve we are still seeing some rural fires around the country, and with many looking to burn rubbish that has accumulated over the summer it is very important that we follow the regulations concerning burning of waste in the countryside. Make sure you register any burn with the local camara or GNR beforehand and wait to receive a text message to confirm that it is ok to burn your summer garden waste.

Also with temperatures in the high 20’s for the rest of this week and into next week there will be many who will be taking advantage of the weather to visit the beach and even swim in the sea. Please remember the sea is still a lot cooler than a swimming pool even after the hot summer we have had and it is vitally important if you are on a beach without lifeguards to watch out for your fellow beach goers and be vigilant to what is happening in the sea. Each week we see of people getting into difficulties either through rip currents or fatigue and the death toll this year across the country has been a record high for drownings.

In other news around the region this last week-

60 year old man suffers heart attack on Albufeira Beach

A man, aged about 60, of British nationality, was helped on Monday afternoon after feeling unwell on the sand, going into cardiac arrest, on Peneco beach, in Albufeira.

After an alert was received at 12:00, elements of the Maritime Police Station of Albufeira and of the “SeaWatch” Project were immediately activated, as well as elements of the Volunteer Firefighters of Albufeira and INEM.

The victim, of British nationality, “was promptly assisted at the scene by the lifeguards on duty on the beach and by the Albufeira Volunteer Firefighters, who began the resuscitation manoeuvres until the arrival of INEM elements who continued the manoeuvres, in collaboration with elements of the ‘SeaWatch’ Project”, says the National Maritime Authority in a statement.

After several attempts at resuscitation, it was possible to reverse the situation of the victim who was later transported by the Volunteer Firefighters of Albufeira to a hospital unit.

Cyclist dies after being hit by a goods vehicle on the straight between Boliqueime and the A22

A cyclist died after being hit by a goods vehicle this Tuesday morning, on the straight between Boliqueime and Via do Infante (A22), in the municipality of Loulé. The District Command of Relief Operations (CDOS) of Faro announced that the alert was given at 6:57 for an accident on Estrada Nacional 270.

The victim, a 60-year-old Portuguese man, could not resist the injuries and the death was declared on the spot by the doctor of the emergency and resuscitation vehicle at Faro Hospital.

Body Found in River Identified as Missing Woman

Police have confirmed that the body found in the River Gilao near Tavira was that of Tania Fernandes who went missing over a week ago. Tânia Fernandes’ car had been found with documents, money and her cell phone the day after her disappearance, last Sunday night.

At the time of her disappearance, on the night of Saturday, September 24th, “the cell location was immediately requested” of her cell phone, which was eventually found, the next day, next to the church of Cabanas de Tavira, although the device was not with her. At this stage, the authorities discard suspicions of crime, but only after the autopsy will the causes of death be determined. An official source has already confirmed to the authorities that the body found is that of Tânia Fernandes.

The body of the 33-year-old woman was transported to the Instituto Médico Legal de Faro. Tânia Fernandes, born in Altura, in the municipality of Castro Marim, suffered from a bipolar disorder. Tânia and her husband lived in Cabanas de Tavira. They had been married for 4 months and together for 4 and a half years.

Catalyst theft suspect in VRSA is in preventive detention

A man suspected of trying to steal a catalyst and who had been detained by the GNR last Saturday in Vila Real de Santo António will await trial in preventive detention.

The man was part of a group of three people, aged between 42 and 45, all of whom were “referenced for this type of criminal offences”, said the GNR’s Faro Territorial Command in a statement.

The other two detainees, including a woman, were heard in the first judicial interrogation at the Vila Real de Santo António court, having been given a term of identity and residence, the least serious measure of coercion. Following the police action, a cordless angle grinder, nine cutting discs and two pairs of protective eyewear were seized.

Authorities Monitor Cell Phone Use While Driving 

The inspection of mobile phone use while driving will intensify this week with a campaign promoted by the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR), the National Republican Guard (GNR) and the Public Security Police (PSP).

Called “At the wheel, the cell phone can wait”, the initiative starts this Monday and runs until the 10th, as part of the 2022 National Inspection Plan, according to a joint statement from the three entities. In addition to inspection, the campaign also aims to make drivers aware of the potentially fatal risks of improperly using mobile phones while driving.

Noting that the probability of having an accident while using the cell phone is four times greater, due to the increase in the reaction time of drivers, the authorities also leave an alert with the numbers of 2021: “In 2021, 24,306 violations related to handling were detected. mobile phone while driving, which represents an increase of 5.5% compared to the previous year. It is urgent to stop this behaviour”. The authorities also stress that “the use of electronic devices while driving causes difficulty in the interpretation of signs and disrespect of the rules for granting passage”, putting pedestrians at particular risk.

ANSR will carry out actions to raise awareness of drivers throughout the national territory, while PSP and GNR will be present with inspection operations on roads and accesses with high road traffic.

Faro City Council Reopens Municipal Swimming Pools

The Municipality of Faro on Monday, October 3, reopened the municipal swimming pools , after two months closed to save water and face the drought that affects the region, announced the Algarve municipality.

The closure of municipal swimming pools in July and August had been adopted by the 16 municipalities in the region, as part of the measures to combat drought applied by the Intermunicipal Community of the Algarve (AMAL), but now the Municipality of Faro decides to reopen its equipment, although a “fault in the process of being resolved” prevents the use of showers, the municipality underlined in a statement.

“Users will have new and better conditions with the installation of new equipment, namely Jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish bath, which will complement the services provided. Its installation was carried out during the period of the pandemic, with the aim of providing the municipal swimming pools of Faro with a wider range of activities ”, also announced by the Algarve municipality.

The same source considered that the “breakdown” on the basis of the impediment to the use of showers could be “solved shortly”, but warned that the work is “dependent” on the “limitations and deadlines imposed by the Public Procurement Law and by the contingencies resulting from the international situation” that “make it difficult to acquire materials and equipment”.

The Câmara de Faro joins the Câmara de São Brás de Alportel, which also announced the reopening of covered municipal swimming pools in October, but at the same time implementing measures to reuse water to avoid spending in periods of extreme drought.

The reopening of the swimming pools in São Brás de Alportel also takes place this Monday and “regular activities will be carried out with a view to promoting the health and well-being of the community”, said the municipality.

The same source stressed on that occasion that these activities will be accompanied by an “intensification of user awareness of the need for efficient water use and water reuse measures in a period of extreme drought in the district”.

The municipalities of the Algarve had announced on 3 September that they would keep the pools closed during the month of September to preserve water resources, reduced by the drought that hits the region.

The decision adopted in September within AMAL extended the measures to combat drought adopted by the municipalities in the region on July 15, which included the closure of public municipal swimming pools in August, the stop of ornamental fountains, the reduction of irrigation days, the interruption of irrigation of grassed public green spaces or their conversion to native species with lower water requirements.

The Algarve, like much of Portugal, is going through a period of prolonged drought and the president of AMAL, António Miguel Pina, has already warned of the difficulties that the lack of water can cause in the district if rainfall levels do not improve next year.

“If the next hydrological year is the same, water may even run out of taps in the Algarve, in October 2023”, then warned the mayor of Olhão.

And finally, whilst not on the same scale as Hurricane Ian, a mini Tornado hit Monte Gordo, in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António on the 29th September causing a slight injury to a Spanish tourist.

The meteorological phenomenon caused the destruction of a giant tent prepared for an international fancier event, the Algarve Golden Race, which runs from Thursday to Sunday, in addition to damage to several vehicles.

According to one of the participants, the small tornado took place in a few seconds during the basketing work, also causing empty pigeon carriers to fly. After the destruction scenario, all participants and organisation helped the authorities in cleaning up the wreckage and the basketing work was transferred to another location.

The Volunteer Firefighters of Vila Real de Santo António, the Public Security Police and INEM were at the scene.

Have a safe week.

Mike Evans

 

Situation Report Azores –  Wednesday 28th September 2022 –

 

From our colleague in the Azores

Covid-19 

In the seven days from Friday 16th of September until Thursday 22nd of September there were 239 new positive cases of Covid-19 registered in the Azores, and a total of 1,979 tests performed. 221 people have recovered, and no new deaths have been recorded with the total still at 117 There are 252 active cases, 18 more than the previous week.

There are 6 patients in the region’s hospitals as of 16th of September with Covid, one of which is in hospital because of Covid. There are no patients in the ICU.

120505 people in the region have had Covid, that’s over 50% of the population.

Eight crew members rescued off São Miguel after fishing boat fire 

Eight crew members were rescued about 555 kilometres from the island of São Miguel, in the Azores, after a fire broke out on the fishing vessel where they were traveling, the Navy revealed.

In a statement, the Navy said that the emergency alert was received at around 4:53 am, having been issued by the Portuguese fishing boat “Filipa Miguel”, which was located 555 kilometres east of the Azorean Island of São Miguel.

On board the vessel were eight crew members between 40 and 50 years of Portuguese nationality.

“The Portuguese Air Force C-295 aircraft, which had been involved in the search and location of the Filipa Miguel fishing vessel and the life raft, made the sighting around 08:43, confirming the fire on board”, indicates the Marine.

 

The crew, who were “all fine”, were rescued by the merchant ship “Thor Menelaus” around 10:47 am.

That merchant ship is currently on its way to Terceira, the island where the rescued crew will disembark, concludes the Navy.

Capelinhos volcano eruption darkened Faial sky 65 years ago 

The sky turned dark, the houses “shallow sand”, the land impossible to cultivate and “half the world” went off the island, with the volcanic eruption of Capelinhos, in Faial, Azores, which began 65 years ago.

“It started with some earthquakes. From there, I would make bigger ones and we would see something dark up here, but we didn’t know what it was”, recalls António Gonçalves Pereira, 76, who was only 11 years old when the Capelinhos Volcano erupted.

The darkness of the skies was the result of the ash thrown up by the eruption, in its initial phase, but, at the time, information was scarce and it was only through radio that António discovered that, on September 27, 1957, the eruption had erupted. Capelinhos Volcano, in the parish of Capelo, municipality of Horta.

“Me and some friends came up, to try to see the volcano up close, but here the police were ahead and would not let us pass”, recalls António Pereira, also remembering the words of the agent who was on duty at the scene: “ Wing back! Can’t pass! This is always shaking the earth, suddenly a big one comes and drowns us all”.

The frequency of the earthquakes and the volume of ash released by the volcano forced the local authorities to evacuate the localities closest to the eruption (parishes of Capelo and Praia do Norte), but although there were no fatalities, many houses and farmland were destroyed.

“Many houses were destroyed! Up here, it was a disgrace! Even down there, at the foot of the volcano, there were houses that were shallow with sand”, says António, remembering that even the Capelinhos Lighthouse, which was on the slope next to the place where the eruption began, “was covered” by ash.

Faced with this scenario of destruction, the United States of America opened its doors to emigration to help the displaced from the island of Faial, influenced by some US congressmen and senators, including John F. Kennedy, who shortly after would be elected president of the USA.

“Walked half the world! A few hundred, not to say, thousands of people, left here, and it was a big thing, if not, there were people here who were serious and there was no work for everyone”, explains António Pereira, recalling that the land of cultivation “produced nothing, because “everything was full of sand” from the volcano.

It is estimated that 30% of the population of the island of Faial (currently less than 15 thousand people reside on the island) will have emigrated to the United States and Canada, taking advantage of the “Azorean Refugee Act”, approved on September 2, 1958. , through which thousands of emigration visas were exceptionally issued to citizens from the Azores.

António Gonçalves Pereira, a retired mechanic, says he never thought of emigrating, but recalls that those who stayed also counted on the help of emigrants to recover the houses destroyed by the volcano.

“Families who were abroad and those who went from here to there, got together and sent hundreds, not to say thousands of contos – at the time [the currency] was the escudo -, to help in the reconstruction here”, says António, adding that if this were not the case, the volcano’s survivors would not have been able to recover their assets.

The memories are of those who saw up close, 65 years ago, the birth of the Capelinhos Volcano, whose eruption began on September 27, 1957, and ended more than a year later, on October 24, 1958.

Currently, what remains of the eruption, worn down by the wind and the waves of the sea, is one of the main tourist attractions on the island, enhanced by an underground interpretation center, however built on site, which gathers all the information about the origin and consequences. of Capelinhos Volcano.

 

Azoreans have the lowest life expectancy in the country 

The Autonomous Region of the Azores presented, between 2019 and 2021, the lowest value of life expectancy at birth and at age 65 in the country.

According to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) for the 2019-2021 period, released yesterday, the highest value of life expectancy at birth was recorded in the North region, at 81.13 years, while the regions of Madeira (78.55) and the Azores (78.18) presented the lowest values.

Despite life expectancy having decreased in the period under analysis, INE points out that “in the last 11 three-year periods, all NUTS III regions recorded gains in longevity at birth”. In fact, in the case of the Azores, it went from 78 years old in the period 2018-2020 to 78.18 years old in the triennium 2019-2021. However, in the archipelago, life expectancy at age 65 has decreased: from 17.63 years to 17.58 years. A trend that was observed in the other regions, with the exception of the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The greatest differences in longevity at age 65 between men and women were also recorded in Madeira and the Azores, where women could expect to live on average, respectively, 4.49 years longer and 4.47 years longer than men.

Attempt to escape from jail by 33 inmates 

At the Ponta Delgada prison, 33 inmates were close to making an escape this week.

According to a source from the National Union of the Prison Guard Corps, the inmates dug a hole that began in a room turned into a warehouse, behind an armoured door that they managed to open. They were 20 centimetres from the outside.

The alert from neighbours because of the noise denounced the attempt to escape.

 

 

 

 

Madeira Situation Report Wednesday 28th September 2022

 

By Daniel Fernandes

Civil Protection to purchase 12 new ambulances

The Regional Civil Protection Service will purchase 12 ambulances (Tipo B – Ambulâncias de Socorro). The total investment will amount to €647,144 plus VAT. The entire cost will be paid for this year.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2022/09/23/protecao-civil-adquire-12-novas-ambulancias-de-socorro-por-657-mil-euros/

Traffic disruptions at Estrada Regional 228

There will be traffic disruptions at Estrada Regional 228, on the stretch between the junction at Rosário and Lombo Garcês (Parish and Municipality of São Vicente), due to Festa de Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Nossa Senhora do Rosário Festival). These will take place at the following days and times:

– September 30th: 13h00 to 20h00 (some restrictions) & 20h00 to 06h00 (no traffic allowed)

– October 1st: 10h00 to 13h00 (some restrictions) & 13h00 to 06h00 (no traffic allowed)

– October 2nd: 11h00 to 01h00 (no traffic allowed)

– October 3rd: 20h00 to 23h59 (no traffic allowed)

Drivers must comply with all traffic signs and with orders issued by the Police (PSP).

https://funchalnoticias.net/2022/09/27/condicionamentos-ao-transito-na-estrada-regional-228/

Non-scheduled Funchal-Caracas flight

The Venezuelan authorities allowed euroAtlantic (a Portuguese airline that provides charter services, wet-lease and Ad-hoc flights) to operate a non-scheduled flight connecting Funchal and Caracas. The flight will be operated by a Boeing 767-300 aircraft, and will depart from Lisbon and make a stop in Funchal. It will take place on October 16th, and will depart from Funchal at 12h30 and land in Caracas at 20h00. The return flight will depart from Caracas at 00h00 and land in Funchal at 07h00. The airline is now allowed to sell flight tickets.

https://www.dnoticias.pt/2022/9/27/329735-ligacao-directa-funchal-caracas-finalmente-autorizada/

Power cut

Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier) announced there will be power cuts due to scheduled work on the electricity supply network. These cannot be postponed and will take place in the following days and places:

CAMACHA

 September 28th – 09h00 to 12h00 &13h30 to 16h00 (TODAY)

– Caminho da Abelheira

– Caminho Municipal dos Salgados

– Rua de Eleutério Nóbrega

– Rua Maria Ascensão

– Vereda da Achada

– Vereda da Abelheira

– Vereda do Boléu

– Largo do Conselheiro Aires Ornelas

FUNCHAL

 September 28th – 23h00-00h00 (TODAY) & 29th – 00h00 to 00h300 (TONIGHT)

– Rua dos Tanoeiros (numbers 65 to 91)

FUNCHAL – SÃO GONÇALO

 September 28th (TODAY) & 30th – 09h00 to 11h30

– Rua da Estalagem

– Rua do Golf

ARCO DA CALHETA

 September 29th – 09h00 to 09h30 & 13h00 to 13h30

– Cova do Arco

– Amoreiras

– Achada de Santo Antão

– Corujeira

MADALENA DO MAR

 September 29th – 09h00 to 09h30 & 13h00 to 13h30

– Moledos

ÁGUA DE PENA

 September 29th – 09h00 to 11h00

– Cardais

– Igreja do Norte

– Lugarinho

FUNCHAL

 September 29th – 09h00 to 11h30

– Beco do Tremoceiro (numbers 1 to 16)

– Rua do Alto (numbers 16 to 27)

– Rua do Dr. José Joaquim Freitas (numbers 24 to 44)

– Rua do Lombo Boa Vista (numbers 25 to 42)

– Travessa do Lombo da Boa Vista (number 38)

ARCO DA CALHETA

September 29th – 09h00 to 13h30

– Pombal

– Fajã do Mar

FUNCHAL

 September 30th – 00h00 to 06h00

– Rua Velha da Ajuda (numbers 99 to 107)

However, power could be restored during the time frame mentioned above. So, for safety purposes, it should be assumed that there will be power at any time during this period of time.

If necessary, customers can contact the free Customer Support Service number (Serviço de Apoio ao Cliente): 800 221 187.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2022/09/24/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-88-2022/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2022/09/24/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-88-2022/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2022/09/28/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-90-2022/

 

 

 

 

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 28th September 2022

 

Good morning – Some good news for UK citizens in Portugal that after a long wait there is more positive news concerning the new residency card for British national. Yesterday the Minister of Internal Administration said this Monday that he hopes that the approximately 36,000 British citizens living in Portugal will have the new post-Brexit residence card by the end of the year. Centres are already operating on the mainland in Cascais and Loulé.

He stated that “By the end of the year, that is, until the 31st of December, we really hope to have responded to these 36,000 British citizens”, a announcing the opening of 13 more service points for British citizens from next month, in conjunction with the Agency for Administrative Modernization (AMA) and the Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN). These will be in Lisbon, Faro, Marinha Grande, Pombal, Coimbra, Castelo Branco, Porto, Seixal, Santarém, Beja and Lagos. More will be announced in due course.

It is important to regularly check if you have received any emails from SEF asking you to arrange your appointment online and that you have your Brexit password for the SEF portal at hand. Once the centres are operating do not attempt to visit a centre to try and get an appointment as all appoints ate arranged direct with SEF through the BREXIT portal.

Turning to the weather – October promises to be, at least at its beginning, an extension of the already long summer, with the return of, the anticyclone positioning itself northwest of the peninsula, in a wedge in the Gulf of Biscay and blocking everything that can approach it from Continental Portugal, with this setup we’ll have east winds, very hot and dry, increasing rural fire risk. Unfortunately to all the models in this scenario it is very likely, the drought will continue and there’s no end in sight.

As such we must remain vigilant to the risk of rural fires taking all the relevant precautions. Again we emphasise the importance of obtain authorization before burning cut and piled debris and if approved to ensure all the safety measures are taken.

Related to this is the ongoing drought situation. Yesterday the government announced the creation of “a strategic reserve of water in the reservoirs associated with hydroelectric uses” identified in the diploma.

The Government determined, as of October 1, a temporary suspension in the water resources of 15 reservoirs, “until the minimum quotas of their useful capacity that will be established are reached”. This move is clearly aimed at ensuring the continuing supply of electricity to meet foreseeable demands. With drought conditions continuing therefore it is essential that we do everything possible to conserve water. Please follow the advice which we promote through our Facebook page from time to time.

Lastly the Minister of Internal Administration, José Luís Carneiro, has dismissed yesterday the disagreement of the League of Portuguese Firefighters (LBP) regarding the integration of these operatives in the new civil protection structure, considering that the firefighters will comply with the law in force.

The minister was reacting to statements by the president of the LBP, António Nunes, who on Saturday, on the side lines of the extraordinary meeting of the LBP national council, stated that, at the moment, the firefighters “do not feel comfortable with the integration of the new civil protection structure, with its sub-regional commands, refuse to integrate this situation and have their own operational organization”, wanting to remain as they are currently.

The new national structure of civil protection, which has regional commands, which took office very recently. There are five regional commands, and there will be 23 subcommands, corresponding to the inter-municipal communities from 1st January 2023. This is a matter of organizing the national Civil Protection,” he explained.

“Another matter has to do with how firefighters and humanitarian organizations decide to organize themselves as firefighters. This is a matter for the autonomy of the associations themselves, naturally fulfilling the duties they have with the country’s civil protection, and with the integration in what corresponds to the national civil protection system”, he added.

Currently most firefighters are part of corporations (associations) which are privately owned and in each district are represented by federation representatives on the LBP. The LBP has no operational competence, this falling on the operational commanders of each brigade. The LBP is mainly responsible for continuity and regulation as far as the rules of the associations as well as fiscal and logistical matters are concerned.

The ANEPC has an overall responsibility of operational command through civil protection agents which include the firefighters, GNR, PSP etc. This issue needs to be resolved to ensure that the current integration continues in way that corresponds to the national civil protection system as the minister outlined.

With that have a safe week ahead.

 

News

Covid-19. Portugal exceeds 25 thousand deaths since the beginning of the pandemic

More than six thousand fatalities have been recorded since the beginning of the year, 40 of them in the last week. Portugal is the 39th country to exceed the barrier of 25 thousand deaths.

Portugal surpassed this weekend the 25 thousand deaths from Covid-19, more than two and a half years since the beginning of the pandemic, which had its first case and death in the country in March 2020.

According to DGS figures released this Monday, the country now has 25,008 fatalities, 40 of them in the last week. Since the beginning of the year, more than six thousand deaths from Covid-19 have been recorded.

The mortality of the pandemic has stabilized since the beginning of August, now standing at four weekly deaths per million inhabitants. The country currently has almost 5.5 million cases since March last year.

Portugal is thus the 39th country to register 25,000 victims of the pandemic, and is currently the 35th country with the most deaths per million inhabitants.

The USA is the country with the most victims of Covid-19, the only one with more than one million deaths, followed by Brazil, with about 685 thousand deaths, and India, with 528 thousand deaths.

In the latest report on the evolution of the pandemic, the DGS and INSA warned of a “possible trend reversal” in the number of cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but that Covid-19 mortality and hospital occupancy remain unchanged and stabilized. The number of new infections by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus per 100,000 inhabitants, accumulated in the last seven days, was 178 cases, with “a possible reversal of an upward trend” at the national level, according to the document from the Directorate-General for Health. (DGS) and the Ricardo Jorge Institute (INSA) released this Friday.

 

Sweden detected underwater explosions before Russian gas pipeline leaks

Sweden has detected two underwater explosions, “most likely due to detonations”, close to where leaks were detected in pipelines carrying Russian gas to Europe, a Swedish seismic institute announced today.

A first “massive energy emission” of a magnitude of 1.9 was recorded Sunday night at 02:03 local time (01:03 in Lisbon) in the south-east of the Danish island of Bornholm, said Peter Schmidt of the National Seismic Network. Sweden, to the French agency AFP. The Swedish institute recorded a second occurrence of magnitude 2.3 at 19:04 local time on Monday (18:04 in Lisbon), in the northeast of the island. “We interpret it as coming with the highest probability of some form of detonation,” Schmidt said.

Danish and Swedish authorities have detected leaks in the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which Russia closed in early September, and in the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which was never put into operation due to a lack of authorization from Germany, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. . Despite not being operational, the two pipelines operated by a consortium of Russian giant Gazprom were full of gas.

Ukraine today accused Russia of responsibility for leaking gas pipelines, denouncing a “terrorist attack” against the European Union. “The large-scale gas leak from Nord Stream 1 is nothing more than a terrorist attack planned by Russia and an act of aggression against the European Union,” Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podoliak said on Twitter, quoted by AFP.

 

 

 

The Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 28th September 2022

 

by Mike Evans

Good day to you, and whilst we all felt a little of Autumnal weather in the past week we now see that the forecast for October is to remain warm and sunny. Whilst this does not help us with the water situation it does help those in the travel and hospitality industry to prolong the season.

There are still plenty of tourists here in the Algarve and it is again worth mentioning the large number of deaths by drowning Portugal has seen this year, and the need to be aware of the factors that could cause drowning- Temperature of the water, rip currents and people who are not confident in the sea. If you are out and about along the coast please keep a look out for anyone showing signs of distress and call 112.

Some of the stories from the Algarve this past week.

Police crackdown produces results.

In the last week, the GNR detained 56 people in the district of Faro, most of them for driving under the influence of alcohol, according to a report on the weekly operational activity of that police force released this Monday.

The GNR’s Faro Territorial Command carried out a series of operations in the district, between 19 and 25 September, with the aim of “preventing and combating violent crime and road surveillance, among others”, says the GNR in a statement.

During these actions, 56 people were arrested: 20 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 13 for driving without a legal licence and eight for drug trafficking, he said. With regard to traffic violations, the GNR reports that it detected 619 violations, of which 184 were for speeding, 56 for lack of mandatory periodic inspection, 48 for lack or incorrect use of seat belts and/or child restraint systems. and 30 for improper use of the mobile phone while driving, among others.

On the other hand, during the week that ended on Sunday, this security force seized, among other products, 163 doses of heroin, 141 of lime, 68 of cocaine and 47 of hashish, the note reads.

According to the same report, with regard to accidents on the Algarve roads, 120 accidents were recorded, resulting in one serious injury and 26 minor injuries.

The GNR also carried out 58 awareness-raising actions in the district of Faro, noting that 54 people were contacted under the Safe School program and 24 elderly people under the Safe Seniors Programme .

Man on Burgau beach has to be helped after feeling unwell

A 70-year-old man was helped on Saturday, September 24, at Burgau beach , in the municipality of Vila do Bispo , announced the National Maritime Authority.

The victim felt unwell in the water and had difficulty breathing, and the alert was given around 12:00, through the Volunteer Firefighters of Vila do Bispo, who activated the means of the SeaWatch project and INEM for the site.

The man was assisted on the beach by lifeguards on duty until the arrival of SeaWatch and INEM elements, who provided differentiated assistance to the victim, who was later transported in stable condition to a hospital unit.

Castro Marim promotes free screening of skin diseases

The Municipality of Castro Marim will promote free screening for cancer and other skin diseases between the 12th and 14th of October, the municipality announced .

Aimed at the entire population of the municipality, this initiative, which was periodically developed before the pandemic, returns after two years of interruption.

The screening is done voluntarily by the dermatologist Manuela Aguiar, who has detected tumour lesions at an early stage and performs the treatment of any precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses) with liquid nitrogen.

Albufeira replaces diesel buses with 100% electric vehicles

On the 22nd of September, five 100% electric buses (two minibuses and three standard buses) began to circulate in Albufeira, on the current lines of the GIRO urban transport network, out of a total of 23 electric vehicles that, by the end of the second half of the year, 2023, will integrate the entire fleet.

The presentation of the five vehicles took place on the day that marks the European Day Without Cars, within the scope of the European Mobility Week, in a symbolic ceremony, which was attended by the mayor , José Carlos Rolo, members of the council, representatives of the Barraqueiro Group, João Santos and Mateus Silva, the member of the Steering Committee of POSEUR – Operational Program for Sustainability and Efficiency in the Use of Resources, José Guedes, and representatives of the electric vehicle construction company.

The five electric vehicles were customised with the image of the GIRO that everyone knows, but with the predominant green colour, instead of the blue previously used in diesel vehicles “to draw attention and cause greater impact on users”.Subsequently, when all electric vehicles enter into circulation, all buses will have this characterization, which will allow the population to easily identify the moment from which the fleet will become fully electric.

The new vehicles will come into operation on an experimental basis, which allows that until the effective start of the concession, scheduled for December 1st, any difficulties that may arise can be resolved.

The mayor of Albufeira highlighted that the entry into operation of electric buses “contributes to improving the quality of life in the municipality, since it is a less polluting means of transport, with significant contributions in terms of environmental sustainability ”.

Thanks to this investment, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions fall from 6,436.55, emitted per 1000 kilometres carried out in diesel buses (current GIRO), to just 671.60 kilos of CO2 emitted per 1000 kilometres carried out on buses. electric buses.

On the other hand, the number of lines increased from five to 11 and the number of bus stops from 135 to 210, increasing the total capacity of the fleet from 496 to 1331 seats. The number of places for wheelchairs is also increased from 10 to 23, with the possibility of transporting bicycles on some lines of the new GIRO.

According to the municipality, all buses have lift platforms and air conditioning. Also within the scope of the new concession, new services will be made available, including a mobile application, online ticketing and online consultation of circuits and timetables, (which will allow real-time monitoring of the stop at which the vehicle is located).

Currently, the GIRO network serves the locations of Albufeira, Branqueira, Páteo, Marina, Ferreiras (downtown) and Estação da CP. With the entry into operation of the new lines, GIRO will also pass through Olhos de Água, Rocha Baixinha, Malhada Velha, Fontainhas, Cerros Altos, Mosqueira, Patroves, Galé/Salgados, Vale Parra, Guia and the Algarve Shopping mall.

National award “Mobility in Bicycle” awarded to Faro

The municipality of Faro was distinguished, this week, with the national award “Mobility in Bicycle” within the scope of the 17th edition of the award promoted by the National Federation of Cycling Tourism and Bicycle Users (FNCUB).

The ceremony took place in the auditorium of the Orlando Ribeiro Municipal Library (Telheiras), in Lisbon, and was attended by the Mayor of Faro, Rogério Bacalhau , Councillor Sophie Matias and Secretary of State for Urban Mobility, Jorge Delgado, representatives from FNCUP, among several other personalities linked to the mobility area.

This award, created in 2007 by the FPCUB, aims to publicly recognize the contribution of entities or people who have promoted the use of bicycles in its multiple aspects, through the creation or improvement of conditions or the promotion of initiatives to encourage the use of this mode of transport. Sustainable.

Two men arrested for drug trafficking in Albufeira

Two men aged 23 and 32 were arrested on Wednesday, September 21, for drug trafficking in Albufeira , announced the National Republican Guard ( GNR ).

The arrest was made by the Faro Territorial Command, through the Albufeira Territorial Sub-detachment, during a patrolling action.

The GNR military approached a vehicle and detected that the two occupants had narcotic drugs in their possession, and 163 doses of heroin, 28 doses of cocaine, three cell phones, a light vehicle and 150 euros in cash were also seized.

The detainees will be present for the first judicial interrogation during this Thursday, September 22, at the Albufeira Judicial Court, for the application of coercive measures.

Bravura Dam has the lowest level of water in the country

The volume of water stored at the Bravura Dam, in Lagos, on 19 September, was only 9.2%, a figure well below the usual average at this time of year, which is usually around 56%.

The data appear in the latest water availability map in Portugal, released by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) on the website of the National Water Resources Information System, and show a decrease of 0.6 percentage points, in this reservoir, in relation to the end of August.

Comparing the values ​​of the hydrographic basins, it is still possible to see that the Barlavento basin, which only integrates the Bravura dam, has the lowest stored volume in the country, followed by the Lima basin (21.6%).

As for the Guadiana basin, which includes the Algarve reservoirs of Odeleite and Beliche, the data are more encouraging, with a stored volume of 61.9% (only 0.2% below average), thanks largely to the Alqueva Dam. , which has a volume of 65%. Odeleite has 36% of its total capacity and Beliche has 29%.

The volume of the Arade Basin is 38.5% (at the end of August it was 39.8). In this basin, the Funcho reservoir is the only one above 60% (61%). Arade is at 28% and Odelouca at 34%. Despite the rains in September, there are still no notable differences in the storage levels of the southern reservoirs, which register a lower volume than at the end of last month.

And Finally,

Tourists arriving at the airport receive Algarve oranges

Tourists who arrive at Gago Coutinho airport in Faro tomorrow, September 27 , will receive free Algarve oranges to mark International Tourism Day, announced VisitAlgarve.

Turismo do Algarve and the Algarve Regional Directorate of Agriculture and Fisheries will distribute around 200 kilos of Algarve oranges with the support of AlgarOrange, a non-profit association that represents around 40% of citrus production in the region.

From 10:00 am, the oranges will be distributed to tourists, with the participation of the vice president of Tourism of the Algarve, Fátima Catarina, the director of airport infrastructure, Alberto Mota Borges and the regional director of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Algarve, Pedro Monteiro. In addition to the Algarve oranges, tourists who pass through the network of 20 tourist information offices of Turismo do Algarve will receive gifts and souvenirs.

 

 

 

 

Madeira Situation Report Wednesday 21st September 2022

 

By Daniel Fernandes 

Regional Civil Protection Service campaign on fire prevention

A campaign to prevent fires in Madeira has been organised by the Regional Civil Protection Service (Serviço Regional de Proteção Civil). The campaign is called “A Madeira sem fogos depende de todos” (Madeira without fires depends everyone). Messages from the campaign have been available in adverts outdoors throughout the Region, and online (Facebook, Instagram and website). The main aim of the campaign is to reach as many people as possible with messages on fire prevention. The following advice has been provided though this campaign:

– Do not drop matches or cigarettes on the floor.

– Do no make fires.

– Do not launch fireworks.

– Clear all the woodland around your home.

Everybody should follow the warnings and advice issued by the Regional Civil Protection Service.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2022/09/19/proteccao-civil-incentiva-aos-cuidados-para-proteger-a-madeira-dos-fogos/

https://www.facebook.com/procivmadeira

Traffic disruptions in Funchal

The Municipality of Funchal announced no road traffic will be allowed at Rua Cónego Jerónimo Dias Leite, between Avenida do Mar e das Comunidades Madeirenses and Rotunda do Infante. Traffic will be limited to only one lane at Rotunda do Infante, between Avenida do Infante and Avenida Arriaga from today (September 21st until October 12th).

The public transport stops 33 and 33rd, and the cab rank at Rua Cónego Jerónimo Dias Leite will not be available during the same period of time. In addition, all means of public transport that usually go through Rua Cónego Jerónimo Dias Leite will now go through the Dr. Sá Carneiro Tunnel (Túnel Dr. Sá Carneiro) towards Rotunda do Infante.

These traffic distortions are due to scheduled work to monitor and control water leaks in the Funchal water supply network.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2022/09/20/cmf-alerta-para-condicionamentos-ao-transito-na-rotunda-do-infante/

Discount on easyJet flights

EasyJet launched a campaign of discounts of up to 20% on flights to 56 European destinations, to celebrate the growth in the number of destinations from Portugal. Bookings under this campaign will be in place until September 26th, and will be applicable for flights until March 30th 2023. This will be easyJet’s busiest Winter involving Portugal routes.

A total of 110,000 seats are available. Some of the destinations are easyJet’s newest, such as Fuerteventura, Gran-Canaria, South Tenerife, Porto Santo, Funchal, Bilbau, and Valencia (all served by Lisbon Airport). Destiantions served by Porto Airport include Funchal, Prague, and Luxembourg.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2022/09/19/easyjet-desafia-passageiros-com-descontos-ate-20-para-mais-de-110-mil-lugares/

 

New Navy corvette due to arrive in Madeira

NRP João Roby, a Baptista de Andrade-class corvette, is due to arrive in the Region today. NRP João Roby’s commanding officer is Captain-Lieutenant Vasco Toledo Cristo. The vessel has a crew of 70 sailors. This deployment will reinforce the Navy’s presence in the Region, strengthen sea patrols and safeguard human life at sea.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2022/09/20/nrp-joao-roby-chega-dia-21-a-madeira/

Power cut

Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier) announced there will be power cuts due to scheduled work on the electricity supply network. These cannot be postponed and will take place in the following days and places:

ESTREITO DE CÂMARA DE LOBOS

 September 21st – 09h00 to 13h00 (TODAY)

– Edifício Jardins do Estreito (Blocos A & B)

SÃO GONÇALO, FUNCHAL

 September 21st & 22nd – 09h00 to 11h30 (TODAY)

– Rua do Golf

SÃO ROQUE DO FAIAL

 September 22nd – 09h30 to 12h30

– Achada do Folhadal

– Lombo Grande

– Pico Cedro Gordo

– Rua da Bela Vista

 

RIBEIRA BRAVA

 September 23rd – 09h30 to 10h00

– Eira do Mourão

However, power could be restored during the time frame mentioned above. So, for safety purposes, it should be assumed that there will be power at any time during this period of time.

If necessary, customers can contact the free Customer Support Service number (Serviço de Apoio ao Cliente): 800 221 187.

https://funchalnoticias.net/2022/09/17/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-85-2022/

https://funchalnoticias.net/2022/09/21/publicidade-o-fornecimento-de-energia-sera-interrompido-nos-dias-horas-e-locais-abaixo-indicados-anuncio-86-2022/