Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 13^th August 2025

Good morning everyone. The fires over the last 12 days have been extensive, intensive and prolonged. One 12 days from ignition is still actives and there are several that over 3-4 days. This is an illustration of what we have warned of over the last year, that climate change and extreme temperatures is providing the basis for  more extreme fires which burn at such an intensity, that it is difficult for firefighters to supress using normal means.

In monitoring these fires daily we cannot recall a time that so many fires have re-ignited from being in resolution or even conclusion some three or four times.

There is speculation whether or not Portugal will extend the State of Alert for the second time. It is currently due to expire on 13 the August at 23.59 hrs. However, the fire risk for the days ahead are not good with the fire risk forecast being particularly high at 90% of the mainland at very high or above. A decision will need to be reached today.

It was reported on Monday confirmed by the ANEPC that none of Canadair’s firefighting aircraft in the country are operational. The aircraft, which was operating in the Tâmega and Barroso region, had taken off from Castelo Branco when smoke was detected in one of its engines, Civil Protection confirmed to RTP. Shortly after, it returned to the airfield, making an emergency landing. The failure occurred a week after a second Canadair ditched in the Douro. A third Canadair is also not operational.

Avincis, the company responsible for the fleet of Canadair aircraft used to fight wildfires in Portugal, describes an “unprecedented situation.” The aircraft it provided to the Portuguese government are currently inoperable due to mechanical problems.

When these aerial resources are not in operation, particularly in weeks like these, it has a decisive influence – not only in containing the fires, but in many cases in resolving them. Despite being the Mediterranean country with the largest area of burned forest, Portugal is also the only one that does not have its own fleet of these planes – the three in question are rented.

Fortunately Morocco has stepped in activating a bilateral cooperation with Portugal and provided two replacements which arrived on Monday and are now in service. These aircraft normally operate in pairs. Spain was ask to assist but they need their Canadair’s due to the high fire risk situation there. There is no indication that any request was earlier made under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which appears strange in these circumstances.

The first Canadair heavy forest firefighting aircraft to replace those that are inoperable arrived in Portugal early this afternoon and a second will arrive “in the coming days,” according to the Avinica company that operates these aircraft. Clearly the speed of replacements reflects the seriousness of the problem and the absolute need for heavy duty firefighting aircraft in these major fires.

Portugal has only completed 40% of its National Action Plan (PNA) to reduce the destruction caused by forest fires: the objective, the newspaper ‘Público’ revealed this Tuesday, was to clear one million hectares of Portuguese forest between 2020 and 2024. However, the clearing operations covered only 400 thousand hectares. According to the National Plan of Action (PNA), which establishes the goals and priorities of the Integrated Rural Fire Management System, the achievement rate for the 98 objectives set by 2030 reached 56% last year. However, experts are more cautious about this assessment. (More about this in our news article below)

Lastly we are experiencing daily temperatures up to 43C/44C in some places .Health in such conditions is vitally import; so please take the advice of DGS concerning steps to avoid dehydration, especially for children and the elderly.

Our team at Safe Communities wishes you a good week ahead.t

News

Only 40% of the national forest cleaning plan has been completed

Portugal has only completed 40% of its National Action Plan (PNA) to reduce the destruction caused by forest fires: the objective, the newspaper ‘Público’ revealed this Tuesday, was to clear one million hectares of Portuguese forest between 2020 and 2024. However, the clearing operations covered only 400 thousand hectares.

According to the National Plan of Action (PNA), which establishes the goals and priorities of the Integrated Rural Fire Management System, the achievement rate for the 98 objectives set by 2030 reached 56% last year. However, experts are more cautious about this assessment.

The performance report, according to Miguel Freitas, former Secretary of State in António Costa’s government, “gives a good picture of the state of the art, but if we look at the physical implementation, which is fundamental, everything remains unfulfilled.” “On the ground, the investment in prevention isn’t felt,” he added. Francisco Castro Rego, academic and former president of the Independent Technical Observatory created by the Assembly of the Republic to define a strategy against wildfires, also indicated that the AGIF report [the agency that coordinates and monitors entities involved in preventing and combating forest fires] “is very well done,” but “it’s just numbers.”

Despite the promises of successive governments, forest clearing, management, and economic development have not changed, as was seen in September 2024: in one week, more than one hundred thousand hectares of forest burned and 16 people died, leading the AGIF to recognize in its report a warning sign for the present and the future: “The fires of September 2024 show that there are difficulties to overcome and call on Portuguese society and its political representatives to mobilize to strengthen the path already defined.”

Tiago Oliveira, chairman of the agency’s board of directors, emphasized that, after 2023, the sense of urgency that politicians and society in general placed on fighting the fires has been deflated. “It’s essential that the country re-discuss what needs to be done,” he warned, noting that “the difficult things” remain to be done. “Politicians don’t want to discuss the Gordian knots” of the sector in the Assembly. Which ones? Changes to the inheritance system that perpetuates undivided inheritances and abandonment, the financing model for municipalities based on their forest area, or multi-year program contracts with forest producer organizations.

The cleanup of the national forest failed across the board, despite the ambitious goals set by the National Plan of Action (PNA): between 2020 and 2024, one million hectares were to be cleared, and by the end of the program, in 2030, 2.5 million. Resources from agricultural policy, the PRR, and the State Budget were allocated to this end. The clean-up, which was to be coordinated and monitored by ANEPC (National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority), relied on various resources and institutions: sapper goats, contracts with producers and municipalities, programs from the ICNF (Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests), controlled fires, and obligations of electricity and gas grid managers and Infrastructure Portugal.

However, the numbers are revealing: in 2024, grazing with over half a million animals totalled 3,480 hectares; controlled fires totalled 2,100 hectares—94% below the program’s targets. The ICNF, energy companies, and Infraestruturas de Portugal are also reducing their contributions: in 2021, when political and social pressure was high, they cleared 88,000 hectares; in 2024, they cleared 75,000.

The national forest is more vulnerable, exacerbated by climate change: with brush accumulating over the years in the mountains, among the trees, large fires will continue to plague the summer. To stop this threat, Portugal would need to clear more than twice the forest area it is currently managing.

By the end of 2024, almost 338,000 hectares had already burned; this year, with at least two months of hardship ahead, fires have consumed almost 50,000 hectares.

 

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 6^th August 2025

 

Good morning everyone, We have experienced several  large fires over the last two weeks in Particular the Ponte da Barca fire lasting nine days and the Sirarelos fire for five days so far. The north has been the area most affected, with damage to property, the environment and injuries. So far fortunately no deaths.

Weather conditions are increasingly favourable for large fires, but for fires to occur, there must be ignitions. So the way to avoid this difficult situation, which is progressively getting worse, is to make a much greater effort to minimize ignitions. Regarding the major fires of recent days, when asked whether, with climate change, Portugal is doomed to have more and more fires, Filipe Duarte Santos a university professor and president of the National Council for Environment and Sustainable Development, replied that this will only happen if nothing is done, and that what needs to be done is to prevent ignitions. The uncomfortable truths: it’s pointless to think of the country without fires, and direct firefighting won’t always be successful.

It is true, that climate change favours weather conditions, that are very conducive to rural fires, with very high temperatures, very dry soil, and this year, especially, a lot of biomass, as last winter was very wet. With increasingly dangerous, uncontrolled fires, strong winds, low humidity, and high temperatures, “what would be necessary would be for there to be practically no ignitions”, the majority of which are of human origin.

There has been calls from various mayors for Portugal to request the activation of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, requesting assistance mainly additional aircraft. The Secretary of State Rui Rocha however highlighted that aerial resources are often unable to operate due to weather conditions and smoke, as was the case with the fires in Ponte da Barca and Arouca. He also added that the situation “is similar in Spain, France, Italy and Greece” and highlighted that “the European mechanism is not a pool of air resources that is available” for each country to collect.

When asked about criticism from some mayors about a lack of resources, Rui Rocha said that he had also been mayor, considering that “for those who are on the ground in a situation of distress and want to respond to a dramatic situation, all resources are scarce” .The Secretary of State also said that the combat assets deployed were those considered “adequate and adequate” by the operational command.

The European Union Civil Protection Mechanism helps EU and non-EU countries respond to emergencies such as natural disasters, health crises or fires. Countries can request assistance from this mechanism whenever an emergency overwhelms their response capabilities.

We sometimes receive reports from people who claim to have been the victim of fraud when purchasing goods on line. Often however these turn out to be a consumer affairs issue. It is therefore important to know you rights as a consumer. This can be found on the website of DECO Portugal Association for Consumer Protect, who are Portugal’s main Consumer Rights organisation Link here: https://deco.pt/mobilidade-e-transportes/deco-informa-sobre-os-direitos-dos-passageiros-consulte-o-nosso-guia/

 

 

News

The state has 10 aircraft that can fight fires but does not use them because there is a lack of “kits”

To be used to fight fires, these aircraft would have to be adapted with a “modular air-transportable firefighting system”, which includes a tank with a capacity of 12 thousand litres.

The Air Force has 10 aircraft that could be used to fight rural fires, but it does not use them for this purpose because the State has not purchased the “kits” that allow the aircraft to be adapted for this mission.

According to the newspaper Público this Wednesday , to be used in fighting the fires, these three heavy aircraft and seven light helicopters of the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) would have to be adapted with a “modular air-transportable fire-fighting system”, which includes a tank with the capacity to carry 12 thousand litres

The “kit” was first used by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in July 2024 and, according to that entity, has “been an effective tool in fighting forest fires, such as in the Pantanal and in the interior of the state of São Paulo”, says the newspaper.

In a note published on its website, the FAB says that the KC-390 is suitable for “fighting large-scale forest fires.”

The six KC-390s that Portugal purchased from the Brazilian company Embraer – which are intended to replace the Lockheed C-130s that have operated for more than 45 years in the FAP – do not have firefighting as their primary mission, but can be used in these missions.

In August 2019, when the contract to purchase the planes from Embraer was signed, the socialist minister João Gomes Cravinho said that the KC390 would have a “dual use – civil and military, including fighting fires”, but did not explain that the contract did not provide for the purchase of the “kit” that makes this mission possible, writes the newspaper.

The KC-390 only refuels at an airfield – unlike amphibians that can quickly refuel in a river or lake – and takes about 40 minutes to take off again, which affects the rate of water releases.

However, Público explains, it can carry 12,000 liters of water and does not need to be released all at once, meaning a single load can be used for several fires.

 

Climate change expert Filipe Duarte Santos believes that climate change favors large fires, but denies a direct link because, he says, fires only occur because of ignitions.

Weather conditions are increasingly favourable for large fires, but for fires to occur, there must be ignitions. So the way to avoid this difficult situation, which is progressively getting worse, is to make a much greater effort to minimize ignitions.

Regarding the major fires of recent days, when asked whether, with climate change, Portugal is doomed to have more and more fires, Filipe Duarte Santos said that this will only happen if nothing is done, and that what needs to be done is to prevent ignitions.

t is true, he said, that climate change favors weather conditions that are very conducive to rural fires, with very high temperatures, very dry soil, and this year, especially, a lot of biomass, as last winter was very wet.

“Whether we’re going to have increasingly worse situations depends largely on whether or not we’re able to reduce the number of ignitions, which has been decreasing, but relatively little. There are still many ignitions every day, at all hours,” during the afternoon, evening, or early morning.

Thus, summarized the university professor and president of the National Council for Environment and Sustainable Development, with increasingly dangerous, uncontrolled fires, strong winds, low humidity, and high temperatures, “what would be necessary would be for there to be practically no ignitions”, the majority of which are of human origin.

Filipe Duarte Santos said that another “unique situation” in Portugal must also be resolved: it is the country in the European Union with the highest percentage of burned area in relation to the total continental area.

Citing the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), Filipe Duarte Santos noted that, on average, from 2006 to 2024, the burned area represented 1.05% of mainland Portugal. Greece followed with 0.38%, followed by Cyprus with 0.32%.

“One of the things that needs to be understood is why this is the case.”

The expert, a geophysicist by training, suggests an explanation: “I think it has to do with the fact that forest property, rural buildings, are extremely fragmented.”

In the previous government, he explained, a working group was set up for rural properties which concluded that there are 10.5 million rural properties in the country, mainly in the center and north of the country, with an average size of 0.6 hectares in the center.

“This reduces the economic value of rural properties,” he said, adding that 30% of properties are undivided inheritances, with owners spread across countries like Brazil, France, or England, with many heirs, often dispersed.

“Until we give economic value to rural property in Portugal, which will most likely require land consolidation, this (fires) will continue to happen, because these forested or scrubland parcels are practically abandoned, and something that is abandoned has no value,” he warned.

Mainland Portugal has been on high alert since Sunday and until Thursday due to the high risk of fires. Especially since last week, fires have consumed vast areas, mainly in the center and north of the country.

 

 

 

Cristiano Ronaldo and Luís Montenegro used in disinformation campaign

Disinformation fueled by Artificial Intelligence (AI) has increased in Portugal, using figures such as Cristino Ronaldo and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to encourage investment in fraudulent platforms, a report developed by IBERIFIER concluded.

The quarterly report from IBERIFIER (Iberian Observatory of Digital Media of Portugal and Spain) reveals that between March and May 2025, in Portugal, there was an increase in AI-fueled disinformation, targeting both national and international figures.

The technology is used for fraudulent financial schemes wrongly attributed to figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Luís Montenegro, with the aim of encouraging investment in fraudulent platforms.

“These publications often use ‘deepfake’ videos or AI-edited screenshots to appear legitimate,” the document states, adding that AI is also used to manipulate narratives related to large-scale fires.

Furthermore, during the study period, the political crisis that led to the fall of the previous government, migration policies, the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV were some of the topics that also dominated disinformation.

When the previous government fell, “there was a significant increase in disinformation campaigns, especially during the election campaign and in televised debates between candidates,” he says.

In this specific case, the observatory highlights the existence of conspiracy theories about the candidates themselves, as well as disinformation campaigns about health, housing, wages, defense, the European Union (EU), reforms, pensions, and immigration.

“Many of these disinformation narratives focused primarily on immigrants, with recurring themes such as violence and the idea that Portuguese people were being replaced in their own country,” the researchers note.

Also, “the blackout that affected Portugal, Spain and several other European countries has become one of the main sources of disinformation in the region” over the last three months.

“The misinformation surrounding this issue was highlighted by repeated attempts to justify the event through unverified allegations and unfounded rumours, thus contributing to a climate of confusion and growing public distrust,” the document reads.

he report presented by IBERIFIER is published quarterly and brings together the main verifications carried out by the 25 entities that make up the consortium in the Iberian Peninsula.

 

 

 

 

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Thursday 31st July 2025

 

Good afternoon. Monday saw the highest number of fires and also the highest response by the emergency services so far this year. At one stage 3767 operatives were deployed together with 41 aircraft fighting 67 fires. In one fire alone in Arouca over 700 operatives were deployed. A fire has been active since Saturday 26^th July. There are also fires that have burned for at least two days numbering around 11. This shows the intensity of fires that we have emphasized this summer. This led the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) announcing that a state of readiness level 3 has been declared in the areas where the main fires are raging in the country.

All this coincided with the heatwave that has been in place which is forecast to extend until the end of this month. Temperatures are forecast to slightly drop on Friday. Enjoy this before a new heat peak that promises to be the most intense of 2025 so far! Depending on which forecasts you read some are predicting near or exceed 45°C (both Sunday and the following days), a significant aggravation of the current heatwave. This will likely have an effect on the fire situation.

As highlighted by the Minister of Internal Administration Maria Lúcia Amara, the “enormous complexity of the operations” in rugged areas, involves study, strategy, planning and “a lot of risk”. We echo the words of the Prime Minister yesterday who stated “This is everyone’s battle, requiring everyone’s collaboration. We must be patient and heed the warnings and advisories from the authorities”

On that subject we at Safe Communities Portugal have been very busy sharing and initiating advice and the various warnings. A lot of our work involves forecasting the likelihood of events such as fires and floods and provide timely advice well in advance so that people are more prepared. For example yesterday we were the first to publish warning of the intense smoke from fires and the effects of this on health, which was followed sometime later by the DGS, ANEPC and media.

During the fires there has been well publicised complaints my some mayor’s over the lack of resources, as well as slow response in some instances. The timing of these just ahead of the local elections comes of no surprise. The president of the LBP confirmed that “there are theatres of operations where it is not worth” the authorities using air resources, because they do not resolve anything. The president of the LBP therefore proposes that there be a joint firefighting strategy, outlined by firefighters, as well as the ability to inform mayors and residents about the resources that will be used in each fire, why and at what point in the flames’ progression.

I find this proposal to understand as the use of resources is fluid given the changing nature of rural fires, depending of the topography the weather and many other factors. In many fires resources are redeployed from other fires based on priorities and availability as the president of the LBP should be well aware.

Our morning posts on the rural fire risk and FWI are now being shared on some days nearly 30 times reaching communities from the north to south of the mainland. This is important and we urge people to share far and wide. Our post was shared to the Penamacor community near Castelo Branco and a few hours later there was a large fire in the area. We hope it helped together with the advice given.

Whilst writing this newsletter news has arrived of an 8.8 Mag earthquake believed to be the sixth largest ever, struck the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, North Pacific in the early hours of Wednesday. The force of the tremor triggered tsunami warnings in Russia, Japan, Hawaii, and the West Coast of the United States. A powerful earthquake triggered 4-metre (13-foot) tsunami waves and sparked evacuation orders in Hawaii and across the Pacific on Wednesday. Damage has already been caused and we await the full extent of the impact of this major earthquake.

With this please have a good week ahead

News

The government is investing in strengthening security forces

The Government is investing in strengthening security forces to guarantee “the freedom and security of citizens” in a context of “new threats,” said Prime Minister Luís Montenegro at the Oath of Honour ceremony for 439 new Public Security Police (PSP) officers in Torres Novas.

Luís Montenegro affirmed the need to toughen penalties for those who violate the physical integrity of law enforcement officers. “This strengthening of criminal repression is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the police mission,” as it is “unacceptable” that police authority be disrespected. “Our police officers (…) want, deserve, and need good conditions to carry out their duties.”

Noting that law enforcement officers “are not just concerned about salaries,” he recalled, however, the measures already implemented to increase risk supplements, review careers, and “improve working conditions,” including equipment and infrastructure.

Highlighting the role of security forces in a democratic state governed by the rule of law, he said that “without a strong, active and well-prepared police force, we cannot guarantee security, and without security, there is no freedom.”

The Prime Minister also stated the need to strategically review the security forces’ missions, adapting them to new threats and criminal phenomena, and reiterated the Government’s commitment to increasing the number of PSP recruits, particularly to promote “greater proximity between the police and citizens.”

 

“Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, but this is not guaranteed. There are new threats that must be addressed,” he emphasized at the ceremony, which was attended by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Maria Lúcia Amaral.

 

 

PJ investigates the use of drones to set fires

The news was reported by Expresso. This may have been the origin of the massive fire that has been raging in the Ponte da Barca area for three days.

Authorities are investigating the use of drones to set fires. The cause of the Lindoso fire in Ponte da Barca is under investigation.

The news is being reported by Expresso. The newspaper reveals that the suspected use of drones is one of the lines of investigation by the Judiciary Police (PJ), responsible for monitoring the situation on the ground and the evolution of the fire.

Also this Tuesday, Civil Protection warned that, given the weather conditions, human action is one of the few that can be controlled. Therefore, it requested that fire or drones not be used.

The fire in Ponte da Barca has been burning for three consecutive days. Currently, nearly 400 firefighters are on the ground fighting it, supported by two aircraft and more than 120 ground vehicles.

Arouca and Penamacor, fires that started this Monday, are the two other large fires currently causing concern.

To combat these three incidents alone, a total of around 1,400 firefighters are on the ground, supported by more than a dozen aerial vehicles. At least seven have already been injured in the fires of recent days.

 

 

 

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 23^rd July 2025

 

INE has published the crime rate figures for 2024. Albufeira had the highest crime rate last year, followed by Avis, Mourão, Loulé, and Porto. On the other side of the table, two municipalities in the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira, and Condeixa-a-Nova, stood out.

According to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), published this month, 33 crimes per thousand residents were recorded in Portugal last year; of these, 17 were crimes against property and 5.4 against physical integrity. In 2023, the national crime rate was 35 crimes per thousand inhabitants.

Looking at the details, the municipality with the highest number of crimes recorded per thousand residents was Albufeira, with 78, more than double the national average (33). The previous year, the crime rate in this municipality had been even higher: 88. Some 12 years ago it was much higher.

Crime Rates are used worldwide to show the number of reported crimes per head of population. It does not take into account transient population, normally visitors and tourists. It is no surprise therefore that Albufeira has come out top for the very reason the mayor says as it receives some 400,000 to 500,000 visitors a year. This of course is a factor with all tourist destinations, but because Albufeira has a low residential population compared with a very high number of visitors, the crime rate is very high.

Local elections are approaching! Despite making up about 15% of the resident population, foreigners represented only 0.3% of registered voters in Portugal by late 2024, according to data from the Voter Portal of the Secretariat‑General of the Ministry of Internal Administration (SGMAI).

Eligible voters must sign up at the Junta de Freguesia corresponding to the address on their residence permit, presenting a valid residence document. Once registered, they will be added to the parish’s official electoral roll (Caderno Eleitoral) and informed of their assigned polling station. The registration process is mandatory and closes 60 days before election day, according to the National Election Commission (CNE), setting the registration deadline at August 11.

You only need to register once. Some Junta’s require an appointment to be made in advance for the registration.

https://www.portaldoeleitor.pt/en/Faqs/ER/Pages/default.aspx?area=ELECTORAL+REGISTRATION&criterio=

Turning to the weather! Climatologist Mário Marques explained yesterday that a heatwave starting 24^th July, which is expected to last at least until the end of the month, will be longer-lasting than the last one – a few weeks ago – and also more widespread, as it is expected to affect the entire territory, including the islands. “There’s a substantial rise in temperatures across the country. This hot air mass will also affect Madeira and the Azores,” he says.

In addition to the maximum temperatures, which will exceed 40ºC in some regions of the country, the minimum temperatures will also rise, and tropical nights are expected between this weekend and next.

The expert also points out that, in the coming days, atmospheric conditions will contribute to a considerable increase in the risk of fire, especially due to very low humidity and strong winds during the early hours of the morning. “It’s the perfect cocktail, with ingredients that encourage the ignition and spread of fires and make fighting them more difficult.”

With that message it is important that we all following the precautions and warnings that are in place.

Have a good week ahead

News

Mosquito, flea, or bedbug? How to identify, prevent, and treat insect bites this summer

Each type of bite has its own characteristics, specific symptoms, and distinct treatments. Learn to distinguish them and how to relieve them. When seeking help, know which repellents actually work.

As the weather warms up, few can resist a pleasant late afternoon stroll through the park or a getaway to the countryside.

Summer can be wonderful, but we’re often forced to share these picturesque moments with unwanted companions. Insects like mosquitoes, bees, ticks, spiders, and fleas can turn a perfect day into an irritating—or even worrying—experience.

It’s common to notice a sudden itch or a mysterious swelling when returning home from a summer stroll. But the type of itch, its intensity, and appearance tell us a lot about the type of insect that bit us. These clues can indicate how to relieve symptoms and whether medical attention is necessary.

With the right information and taking appropriate precautions, we can avoid health scares, unnecessary doctor visits, and even more serious complications.

The most common bites

While there are clear similarities between many insect bites, there are also differences. In fact, each type has its own characteristics, specific symptoms, and distinct treatments. Here are some tips to distinguish six of the most common:

1. Mosquitoes

Symptoms: redness, slight swelling, and intense itching. Mosquito bites usually go away on their own within three days, without complications.

Recommendations: wash the area with soap and water, apply cold compresses and antihistamines in gel or cream form in case of intense itching.

2. Bees and wasps

Symptoms: immediate pain, slight swelling, intense burning sensation. Bees leave their stingers, but wasps do not.

Recommendations: remove the stinger (if necessary), apply ice, take oral antihistamines in case of a localized reaction and be alert for signs of an allergic reaction.

3. Ticks

Symptoms: The peculiarity of ticks is that their bite can go unnoticed. The tell-tale sign is that, when they fall off, they leave a small red mark in the shape of a target.

Recommendations: Remove with tweezers, being careful not to twist or crush the insect’s body. Disinfect and monitor for fever or swelling in the following days.

4. Fleas

Symptoms: Small, red spots, usually clustered, with intense itching. They usually appear on the ankles, legs, or areas where clothing is tight. The rash can last for several days, and there is a risk of infection if scratched excessively.

Recommendations: Wash the area with soap and water and use topical or oral antihistamines if the itching is intense. Also check pets and household textiles, as they are common sources of these insects.

5. Bedbugs

Symptoms: multiple bites grouped together, with intense itching, especially at night.

Recommendations: Wash the affected area and apply antihistamine gel or cream. Inspect the environment and take steps to eliminate bedbugs from the home.

6. Spiders

Symptoms: localized pain and redness, sometimes with two small visible dots left by the spider’s fangs.

Recommendations: Wash with soap and water, apply cold. Consult a healthcare professional in case of necrosis, fever, or malaise.

When should you worry?

Typically, any of the bites mentioned are just a mild discomfort that disappears after a few days. However, there are situations where they can trigger more serious health problems.

Here are three of the most serious complications caused by insect bites—and what to do in each case:

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips and eyelids, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.

➤ Response: call 112 or SNS24. If the victim has an epinephrine pen (epipen), it should be administered immediately.

Infection: progressive redness in the affected area, local heat, pus, and possible fever.

➤ Response: Consult a healthcare professional. Antibiotic treatment may be necessary.

Tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease: red, target-shaped rash, fever, and muscle and joint pain, appearing days after the bite.

➤ Response: Contact a healthcare professional.

Which repellents work?

The best way to avoid the consequences of a bite is to prevent it from the start. One of the most effective methods is to use approved repellents containing DEET (diethyltoluamide) or icaridin.

These products are available in pharmacies and supermarkets. The variety can be confusing, but the secret is in the label.

The main ingredients to look for are:

DEET: The most studied and widely used repellent since the 1950s. Very effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. Duration depends on the concentration—for example, 30% DEET provides about 6 hours of protection. Use with caution, as it can irritate the skin or damage synthetic fabrics.

Icaridin: A newer alternative with similar efficacy. A 20% concentration offers protection equivalent to 30% DEET. It has the advantage of being less oily, virtually odourless, gentler on the skin, and safe for fabrics. It lasts between 6 and 8 hours and is recommended for children or people with sensitive skin.

In high-risk areas for diseases such as dengue, malaria, or Zika, both compounds are effective — but the concentration must be adequate (at least 30% DEET or 20% icaridin).

 

IPMA Hot weather in Mainland Portugal and Madeira starting 24^th July

Yellow warnings for hot weather already issued for July 25th

After an early start of the week with temperatures below normal for the time of year on the mainland, temperatures are expected to rise starting on July 24th, and especially from July 25th. Maximum temperatures will be above average for the time of year, contributing to a heat wave at least until July 30th.

In fact, the High pressure system (anticyclone) located southwest of the Azores region is expected to gradually move east/north eastward, intensifying and extending as a ridge toward the Bay of Biscay starting on July 24th, and eventually toward Central Europe from July 25th or 26th.

This, combined with a low pressure region between North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, will cause hot, dry air masses to flow over mainland Portugal coming from inland Iberian Peninsula (east wind), which will also affect the Madeira archipelago starting on July 26th.

Therefore, a significant rise in air temperatures is expected starting on Thursday, July 24th, with maximum temperatures above 30°C in most of the mainland, reaching 40°C in some areas, particularly inland southern region and the Tejo Valley.

Minimum temperatures are expected to exceed 20°C in some inland areas, particularly in the southern region, the Tejo Valley, and Beira Baixa.

Hot weather warnings issued for this event starting on July 25th.

Furthermore, winds are expected to intensify along the western coastline and in the highlands from July 23rd to July 25th, which will be moderate to strong from the north/northwest, sometimes with gusts.

In the Madeira archipelago, starting on July 26th, maximum temperatures may reach or even exceed 30°C, especially on the southern slopes and in the mountainous regions.

There is still some uncertainty regarding its intensity and duration of this hot weather event. It is advisable to monitor the forecasts and weather warnings that will be issued in the coming days.

This statement will be updated as needed.