On Saturday the Army said it had mobilised additional teams to two municipalities, but not yet to Leiria, where the socialist mayor complains of a lack of support. Five promised generators have not yet arrived at their destination, but the Government says the problem is one of transport and that it does not need more sent from the EU. The Secretary of State wants the armed forces to help prevent flooding in the coming days.
Army steps up support, but generators still haven't reached the site. Government acknowledges difficulties
Saturday, 31 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.
