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.