Setúbal, Portugal
Latest news and stories from Almada.
The Almada City Council has extended its alert status regarding water supply failures until August 31. Despite water reserves reaching 78%, officials cited the expected increase in temperatures and the influx of tourists during the beach season as reasons to maintain restrictions. The municipality continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure supply stability.
The Social Security Institute (Instituto da Segurança Social or ISS) has confirmed that the 'Mestre Cuco' nursery in Almada met all necessary operational criteria during its last unannounced inspection in September 2025. This follows the tragic death of an 18-month-old child who was found inside a school vehicle on Thursday. The Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) are currently investigating the circumstances of the incident.
The Social Security Institute (Instituto da Segurança Social) is the public agency that runs Portugal’s social security system, administering pensions, unemployment benefits, family support and local social services. It also coordinates emergency social responses through local offices and mobile teams — for example, the institute mobilized over 200 technicians after recent storms and supported 1,537 displaced people as of 14 February; residents affected should contact their local Social Security office or municipal authority for assistance.
The PJ (Polícia Judiciária) is Portugal's national criminal investigation police agency, founded in 1945. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and supervised by the Public Ministry (prosecutors), the PJ is a "higher criminal police body" specializing in serious and complex crimes. Mission: The PJ assists judicial and prosecuting authorities by investigating terrorism, organized crime, homicide, kidnapping, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, financial crime, and money laundering. It conducts forensic examinations, operates Portugal's Interpol and Europol liaison offices, and maintains specialized units including the National Counterterrorism Unit and National Anti-Corruption Unit. Difference from PSP/GNR: While PSP (civilian urban police) and GNR (military rural police) focus on preventive policing, public order, and investigating minor crimes, the PJ exclusively handles serious crime investigation requiring specialized technical and scientific expertise. PSP and GNR report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; PJ reports to the Ministry of Justice. PJ officers receive higher pay and prestige but face greater operational risk.
The Water and Waste Services Regulation Authority has advised the Municipalized Water and Sanitation Services of Almada (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento de Almada or SMAS) to proactively compensate residents affected by recent water supply interruptions. The regulator argues that the utility should identify impacted households rather than waiting for formal complaints.
SMAS (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento) is a municipal service provider responsible for managing water supply, sewage, and waste collection in specific Portuguese municipalities. In Almada, this entity oversees the local water infrastructure, and its operational failures are often linked to long-term maintenance and investment decisions made by the local government.
An 18-month-old girl died on Thursday after being left inside a nursery minibus in Almada. Emergency services, including the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM), were called to the scene on Avenida do Cristo Rei, but the child was declared dead upon their arrival.
Minimum services (serviços mínimos) are the legally required basic services that must be maintained during a strike to protect public safety—in healthcare this typically covers emergency care, critical ambulance coverage and intensive care. They matter because the INEM workers' committee admitted that late or unclear communication about which teams would be available during the end-of-2024 strike may have reduced operational capacity and confused patients; as an expat, expect limited non-urgent care during strikes and check official updates or call 112 for true emergencies.
The Municipalized Water and Sanitation Services (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento or SMAS) of Almada have increased inspections to promote responsible water consumption. Recent efforts have successfully identified several locations with significant water losses within the municipal network.
SMAS (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento) is a municipal service provider responsible for managing water supply, sewage, and waste collection in specific Portuguese municipalities. In Almada, this entity oversees the local water infrastructure, and its operational failures are often linked to long-term maintenance and investment decisions made by the local government.
Water reserves in the Almada municipality have reached 40 percent, a level that the Municipalized Water and Sanitation Services (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento or SMAS) says may allow for a reduction in scheduled supply cuts. The area has faced significant water shortages throughout the month, impacting residents in locations such as Costa da Caparica. Meanwhile, separate repair work on a pipe in Queluz recently left residents without water for over 15 hours.
Update: Almada water reserves rise to 46 percent
New data from the SMAS indicates that water reserves have recovered to 46 percent, placing the municipality in a 'yellow' monitoring category. The agency has launched a new online dashboard to track reservoir levels and continues to conduct inspections to identify and repair significant water losses in the network.
SMAS (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento) is a municipal service provider responsible for managing water supply, sewage, and waste collection in specific Portuguese municipalities. In Almada, this entity oversees the local water infrastructure, and its operational failures are often linked to long-term maintenance and investment decisions made by the local government.
The municipality of Almada has announced a total water supply cut tonight from 10:00 PM until 6:00 AM on Friday across 21 locations, including Charneca da Caparica and Aroeira. The Municipal Water and Sanitation Services (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento or SMAS) stated the measure is necessary to restore water reserves following recent supply failures.
SMAS (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento) is a municipal service provider responsible for managing water supply, sewage, and waste collection in specific Portuguese municipalities. In Almada, this entity oversees the local water infrastructure, and its operational failures are often linked to long-term maintenance and investment decisions made by the local government.
The Almada Municipal Assembly is set to debate a motion of no confidence against the local socialist leadership next week, citing failures in managing water supplies, housing, and civil protection. Meanwhile, the municipality has announced new overnight water cuts to stabilize reserves, while the Minister of Environment, Graça Carvalho, has criticized the local council and the Municipalized Water and Sanitation Services (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento or SMAS) for years of insufficient investment.
SMAS (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento) is a municipal service provider responsible for managing water supply, sewage, and waste collection in specific Portuguese municipalities. In Almada, this entity oversees the local water infrastructure, and its operational failures are often linked to long-term maintenance and investment decisions made by the local government.
The Almada Municipal Water and Sanitation Services (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento or SMAS) brought a new groundwater borehole into operation this Sunday. The infrastructure, which was completed ahead of schedule, increases production capacity by 60 m³/h to help mitigate recent supply constraints and consumption spikes.
Update: Minister Neves addresses contractor hiring controversy
Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves has responded to public controversy regarding his hiring of a contractor for private work on his property. The contractor had previously held contracts with the Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) during Neves's tenure as its director. Neves denied any irregularities but admitted he would have handled the situation differently today.
SMAS (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento) is a municipal service provider responsible for managing water supply, sewage, and waste collection in specific Portuguese municipalities. In Almada, this entity oversees the local water infrastructure, and its operational failures are often linked to long-term maintenance and investment decisions made by the local government.
The PJ (Polícia Judiciária) is Portugal's national criminal investigation police agency, founded in 1945. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and supervised by the Public Ministry (prosecutors), the PJ is a "higher criminal police body" specializing in serious and complex crimes. Mission: The PJ assists judicial and prosecuting authorities by investigating terrorism, organized crime, homicide, kidnapping, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, financial crime, and money laundering. It conducts forensic examinations, operates Portugal's Interpol and Europol liaison offices, and maintains specialized units including the National Counterterrorism Unit and National Anti-Corruption Unit. Difference from PSP/GNR: While PSP (civilian urban police) and GNR (military rural police) focus on preventive policing, public order, and investigating minor crimes, the PJ exclusively handles serious crime investigation requiring specialized technical and scientific expertise. PSP and GNR report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; PJ reports to the Ministry of Justice. PJ officers receive higher pay and prestige but face greater operational risk.
Luís Neves will take office on Monday as Minister of Internal Administration. He graduated in law and has worked at the Judicial Police since 1995, where he served as coordinator of a national unit and developed a long career in criminal investigation.
Cuts are scheduled for several areas of the municipality. Business owners are complaining about the losses and may proceed with claims for compensation.
The Municipal Water and Sanitation Services (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento or SMAS) of Almada have implemented nightly water supply cuts between 10 pm and 6 am to stabilize reservoir levels. The Water and Waste Services Regulation Authority (Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços de Águas e Resíduos or ERSAR) confirms that while water may appear whitish due to air in the pipes, it remains safe for human consumption.
Update: New borehole to boost Almada water supply
Almada authorities announced that a new borehole will begin operating this Sunday morning to help reinforce the local water supply. This addition aims to address ongoing shortages that have caused frequent service interruptions across the municipality.
SMAS (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento) is a municipal service provider responsible for managing water supply, sewage, and waste collection in specific Portuguese municipalities. In Almada, this entity oversees the local water infrastructure, and its operational failures are often linked to long-term maintenance and investment decisions made by the local government.
The Water and Waste Services Regulation Authority (Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços de Águas e Resíduos or ERSAR) is the public body responsible for regulating water supply, wastewater management, and municipal waste services in Portugal. It monitors service quality and compliance with legal standards, ensuring that utility providers like the Almada Municipal Water and Sanitation Services (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento or SMAS) meet their obligations to consumers.
Residents in Almada are protesting against persistent water supply issues, leading to calls for the resignation of Mayor Inês de Medeiros. The Seixal municipality has accused Almada of failing to maintain its infrastructure, noting that a significant portion of the water supply is captured in Seixal, while the PS district structure has urged the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (Associação Nacional de Municípios Portugueses or ANMP) to address the funding needed for network repairs.
ANMP is the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (Associação Nacional de Municípios Portugueses), a membership body that represents Portugal’s 308 municipalities and speaks for them in talks with central government. Its new leadership raising questions matters because ANMP advises on local finance and decentralisation rules that directly affect municipal budgets, responsibilities and the practical ability of towns to deliver services.
The Almada municipality is facing water supply disruptions, with the Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho suggesting it could take three weeks to stabilize the system. While the mayor denies any area has been without water for more than 24 hours, the municipal water service (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento or SMAS) has announced further overnight service interruptions in several localities.
Update: Almada water crisis expected to last weeks
Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho confirmed that full water restoration will take two to three weeks, though a new borehole opening this weekend is expected to boost supply by 20%. Meanwhile, the consumer protection association DECO has demanded compensation for affected residents and businesses, calling for tariff exemptions and extended payment deadlines.
Deco Proteste is Portugal's largest consumer rights organization, providing independent product testing, legal advice, dispute mediation, and advocacy on behalf of consumers. It is part of the international Euroconsumers group.
Deco publishes comparative tests of products and services (from insurance policies to supermarket prices), lobbies for consumer-friendly legislation, and runs a mediation service that helps resolve disputes between consumers and companies. It also operates helplines during crises — such as severe weather events — to advise on insurance claims, billing disputes, and emergency consumer rights.
Membership is paid, but Deco's public advocacy and media presence make it a significant voice in Portuguese consumer affairs. Its studies and reports are frequently cited in news coverage of cost-of-living, energy prices, and financial products.
SMAS (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento) is a municipal service provider responsible for managing water supply, sewage, and waste collection in specific Portuguese municipalities. In Almada, this entity oversees the local water infrastructure, and its operational failures are often linked to long-term maintenance and investment decisions made by the local government.
There are areas that will have no water between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. The population is desperate. The collapse in supply threatens public health.
Update: Almada implements overnight water cuts
The Almada City Council has confirmed that six locations, including Feijó, Laranjeiro, Vale Flores, Barrocas, Cova da Piedade, and Chegadinho, will face total water cuts from 10:00 PM Friday to 6:00 AM Saturday. The municipality has declared a state of alert due to unprecedented consumption levels and will also close public swimming pools and restrict access to municipal spaces.
The Almada City Council has declared an alert status following persistent water supply failures in the municipality. Mayor Inês de Medeiros announced measures including nightly water cuts and a ban on non-essential usage, such as garden irrigation and pool filling, to stabilize the system.
Update: Protests erupt in Almada over persistent water shortages
Around 1,500 residents protested in Costa da Caparica this Wednesday, blocking roads to demand an urgent solution to the ongoing supply crisis. The Municipalized Water and Sanitation Services (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento or SMAS) attributed the failures to extreme heat and seasonal population spikes, while the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) has blocked parliamentary hearings on the matter.
Inês de Medeiros is a Portuguese actress-turned-politician from the Socialist Party who has served in national politics and later took up local government responsibilities, including becoming mayor of Almada. She is mentioned in this story because the landslide and evacuations in Costa da Caparica on 17 February are matters the Almada municipal government and mayor’s office would handle.
Health cards are private membership or discount schemes sold by companies that offer access to consultations, tests or reduced fees at private clinics; they are not the public health service. The Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) has proposed regulation to increase transparency and protect consumers from misleading marketing or unexpected charges.
The Almada City Council has announced a ban on all non-essential water usage, including watering, to replenish reserves following persistent supply failures. Local officials hope to stabilize the situation within two to three weeks, though critics point to long-standing infrastructure neglect and high water loss rates in the municipality.
The Costa do Mar Family Health Unit (Unidade de Saúde Familiar or USF) in Costa da Caparica closed this afternoon due to ongoing water supply failures in the region. The local Parish Council (Junta de Freguesia) has requested assistance from firefighters to distribute water to residents for basic household needs.
The Water and Waste Services Regulation Authority (Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços de Águas e Resíduos or ERSAR) has demanded explanations from Almada's municipal water services regarding ongoing supply shortages. A major pipe burst has left six areas without running water, exacerbating tensions that led to a petition signed by over 3,000 residents.
Update: Almada water supply restoration continues gradually
Water supply has begun to return to the affected areas following the repair of a burst main, though full normalization is expected to be gradual. The municipality reports that 2026 has seen the highest water consumption in 75 years, with a 4.3% increase in the first half of the year, further straining local reserves.
The Water and Waste Services Regulation Authority (Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços de Águas e Resíduos or ERSAR) is the public body responsible for regulating water supply, wastewater management, and municipal waste services in Portugal. It monitors service quality and compliance with legal standards, ensuring that utility providers like the Almada Municipal Water and Sanitation Services (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento or SMAS) meet their obligations to consumers.
Almada Mayor Inês de Medeiros has apologized to residents following frequent water supply interruptions affecting over 100,000 people. The failures have been particularly severe in Costa de Caparica and Charneca de Caparica, with residents launching a public petition demanding urgent infrastructure improvements. The local government is now implementing measures to stabilize the supply as extreme heat exacerbates the situation.
Inês de Medeiros is a Portuguese actress-turned-politician from the Socialist Party who has served in national politics and later took up local government responsibilities, including becoming mayor of Almada. She is mentioned in this story because the landslide and evacuations in Costa da Caparica on 17 February are matters the Almada municipal government and mayor’s office would handle.
The Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) conducted searches on members of the Collective for the Liberation of Palestine (Colectivo pela Libertação da Palestina) on Thursday. The operation, led by the National Counter-Terrorism Unit (Unidade Nacional Contraterrorismo or UNCT), is investigating allegations of criminal association, public incitement to crime, and qualified damage. The collective confirmed the searches took place at several private homes.
The PJ (Polícia Judiciária) is Portugal's national criminal investigation police agency, founded in 1945. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and supervised by the Public Ministry (prosecutors), the PJ is a "higher criminal police body" specializing in serious and complex crimes. Mission: The PJ assists judicial and prosecuting authorities by investigating terrorism, organized crime, homicide, kidnapping, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, financial crime, and money laundering. It conducts forensic examinations, operates Portugal's Interpol and Europol liaison offices, and maintains specialized units including the National Counterterrorism Unit and National Anti-Corruption Unit. Difference from PSP/GNR: While PSP (civilian urban police) and GNR (military rural police) focus on preventive policing, public order, and investigating minor crimes, the PJ exclusively handles serious crime investigation requiring specialized technical and scientific expertise. PSP and GNR report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; PJ reports to the Ministry of Justice. PJ officers receive higher pay and prestige but face greater operational risk.
The UNCT (Unidade Nacional de Contraterrorismo) is a specialized unit within the Portuguese Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária). It focuses on investigating serious crimes, including terrorism, criminal association, and threats to national security.
A fire broke out at a beach bar on the Dragão Vermelho beach in Costa da Caparica on Tuesday afternoon. Twenty-one firefighters were deployed to the scene, and while the structure was destroyed, authorities confirmed there were no injuries and no risk of the fire spreading to neighboring areas.
Authorities are conducting significant sand replenishment operations on beaches in Costa da Caparica to improve safety and coastal protection. Meanwhile, the Algarve region has committed approximately 20 million euros toward similar artificial sand projects to support the upcoming bathing season.
The National Maritime Authority (Autoridade Marítima Nacional or AMN) has closed the Dragão Vermelho beach in Costa da Caparica to swimming after a 24-year-old man drowned on Thursday. The area will remain restricted until artificial sand replenishment is completed to address ongoing safety concerns.
The National Maritime Authority (Autoridade Marítima Nacional or AMN) is the government body responsible for maritime safety, search and rescue, and environmental protection along the Portuguese coast. It operates under the Ministry of National Defense and works closely with the Portuguese Navy to oversee port security and enforce maritime laws.
The Left Bloc believes that the Open Presidency report reveals the Government's “incompetence” in managing Storm Kristin.
A construction worker died on Tuesday in Charneca da Caparica, Almada, after a water pipe burst caused a landslide at a work site. Emergency teams were unable to save the victim, who was declared dead at the scene.
Emergency services on the south bank of the Tagus are under pressure as the obstetrics and gynaecology department at Barreiro Hospital closes permanently this Wednesday. Patients are being redirected to hospitals in Almada and Setúbal, while staff at the Garcia de Orta Hospital report that rosters are at their limit. Meanwhile, Luís Duarte Costa has resigned as director of the Amadora-Sintra emergency department, citing the hospital's inability to transfer patients to wards due to a lack of beds.
A new centralized obstetrics and gynecology emergency service (urgência regional de obstetrícia e ginecologia) will begin operating on April 15 across the Setúbal Peninsula. The service will be split between hubs at the Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada and the São Bernardo Hospital in Setúbal, while the emergency unit at Barreiro will close. Residents in the region should be aware that while emergency services are consolidating, scheduled maternity care will continue at all local hospitals.
Almada City Council extended a local alert situation due to ongoing landslide danger, keeping a heightened municipal response and advising residents in vulnerable areas to follow official guidance. The “situação de alerta” may affect local services, road access and planned outdoor activities while assessments continue. Those living in affected zones should follow the Câmara's announcements and avoid risky slopes or coastal paths until the alert is lifted.
An elderly woman died in an emergency-area observation ward at Gracia de Orta Hospital after triage and being directed to clinical observation, Correio da Manhã reports. The case has raised fresh concerns about waiting times and staffing in emergency services (serviço de urgência). Those relying on SNS care should be aware of local pressures on emergency departments and check alternatives for non-urgent needs.
Emergency departments (urgências) are hospital units that provide 24/7 unscheduled care for serious injuries and sudden illnesses, using triage to prioritise the most urgent cases. For expats, call 112 for life‑threatening emergencies or use the SNS24 helpline (808 24 24 24) for medical advice; expect long waits in public urgências during busy periods and consider private urgências if you have health insurance and need faster care.
Hospital Garcia de Orta is a public hospital in Almada, on the south bank of the Tagus near Lisbon, serving the Almada–Seixal area with emergency, inpatient and specialist services. Being directed to the clinical observation area means a patient is being short-term monitored inside the emergency department while doctors decide on treatment or admission, so expect standard ED triage and possible wait times.
Correio da Manhã reports Almada set up a support office after severe weather and landslides forced 476 people from their homes. The municipality is coordinating temporary shelter and assistance for those affected while monitoring further slope stability risks. Residents in the area should follow municipal guidance and local emergency updates.
Correio da Manhã reports a landslide in Costa da Caparica, Almada, early this morning that affected three houses and prompted the evacuation of about 20 people. Authorities moved residents to safety and are assessing structural risk in the area; local emergency services are coordinating the response. If you live in or travel to coastal cliffs or unstable slopes, follow municipal instructions and avoid affected zones until officials declare them safe. Those with property in the area should check local council advisories and their insurance cover for subsidence damage.
Update: Dust cloud video shows scene; cordons remain in place
CNN Portugal and other outlets published video of a very large dust cloud at the scene; emergency services and Protecção Civil continue to cordon off the area while structural assessments proceed, and authorities say checks on neighbouring buildings are ongoing.
A landslide is the rapid downhill movement of rock, soil or debris, often caused by heavy rain, erosion or unstable slopes. In built areas like Costa da Caparica a landslide can threaten buildings and utilities, prompting authorities to evacuate residents as a safety measure; in emergencies call 112 and follow official instructions.
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.
Inês de Medeiros is a Portuguese actress-turned-politician from the Socialist Party who has served in national politics and later took up local government responsibilities, including becoming mayor of Almada. She is mentioned in this story because the landslide and evacuations in Costa da Caparica on 17 February are matters the Almada municipal government and mayor’s office would handle.
LNEC is Portugal's National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil), a state research and testing body founded in 1946 that provides studies, standards and technical advice on buildings, infrastructure, soils and coasts. Its reports and opinions are often used by public authorities, engineers and courts, so LNEC involvement matters for construction permits, flood assessments and geotechnical disputes.
