Civil Protection has activated a special state of readiness, Level IV, across the entire coastal strip from Setúbal to Viana do Castelo after the IPMA warned of a meteorological event with high risk potential. Authorities have reinforced resources, pre-positioned equipment and are urging the public to secure loose structures and adopt self‑protection behaviours.
Depression Kristin: state of readiness raised to maximum level along the coast from Setúbal to Viana do Castelo
Tuesday, 27 January 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
Civil Protection (Proteção Civil) is Portugal's national system for preventing, preparing for, and responding to disasters and emergencies — from wildfires and floods to earthquakes and storms.
The system is coordinated by the ANEPC (Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil), which issues warnings, activates response plans, and coordinates firefighters, police, military, and municipal services. During major events, the ANEPC can activate the SIOPS (Sistema Integrado de Operações de Proteção e Socorro), a unified command structure for managing multi-agency responses.
Portugal's Civil Protection framework operates at three levels — national, district, and municipal — each maintaining its own emergency plans. The system has been under ongoing reform, with emergency associations pushing for clearer single-command structures to reduce confusion between responders during major incidents.
During weather emergencies, Proteção Civil issues safety advisories, may close roads and access routes, and coordinates rescue operations. Residents should follow official ANEPC guidance and call 112 for emergencies.
