Latest news and stories about emergency services in culture in Portugal for expats and residents.
The external paediatric surgery emergency department at Dona Estefânia Hospital will remain closed until Sunday.
The National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) is evaluating the potential termination of night-time medical helicopter transport as part of a broader government restructuring plan, with alternative coverage provided by VMER teams.
The Liberal Initiative has requested the digital footprint of strike notice emails sent to the Ministry of Health to verify claims made by officials, while the parliamentary inquiry committee considers potential perjury charges against the Health Minister.
The Portuguese Firefighters League has terminated its cooperation agreement with INEM over 20 million euros in unpaid debts, prompting the government to promise an urgent resolution to ensure emergency services continue.
A new regional gynaecology and obstetrics emergency service has launched on the Setúbal Peninsula, operating across the Garcia de Orta and São Bernardo hospitals while relying on a mix of permanent and temporary medical staff.
The Garcia de Orta Hospital faces potential overcrowding and staffing shortages as it becomes a regional hub following the permanent closure of the Barreiro obstetrics emergency department.
Mayors are seeking meetings with political parties to address the negative impact of obstetric emergency service closures on local populations, particularly those in remote areas.
A fire in a Setúbal apartment building garage has displaced 30 residents, destroyed one vehicle, and caused significant infrastructure damage, prompting an investigation by the Judiciary Police.
One month after storm Kristin, the Leiria hospital continues to grapple with the aftermath of the disaster, which saw 177 polytrauma patients flood the emergency department in just six hours. Healthcare professionals faced significant challenges, including a lack of communication and blocked roads, forcing patients to arrive in their own vehicles. As attention shifted from the storm's immediate impact, underlying issues in the healthcare system have resurfaced, highlighting ongoing chaos and the need for improved public safety policies.
The article critiques the Government's Labour Package, titled Work XXI, arguing it regresses rather than innovates in the realm of work. It emphasizes the need for the Labour Code to adapt to the increasing frequency of extreme weather phenomena, advocating for provisions that protect outdoor workers and clarify absence policies during public calamities. The author calls for a Labour Code that prioritizes safety and preparedness for the challenges of the 21st century, rather than the outdated framework proposed by the Government.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has proposed discussions on establishing a disaster fund in Portugal to address damages from increasing natural disasters, such as recent floods. During a visit to the flooded area of Alcácer do Sal, he highlighted the need for financial relief for businesses affected by such calamities, especially those without insurance. He noted that similar funds exist in the European Union and emphasized the opportunity presented by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) to support this initiative.
Around 1,200 individuals have been displaced in mainland Portugal due to severe flooding, particularly in the Central region. The evacuations were carried out as a preventive measure, affecting areas such as Beira Baixa, Coimbra, Leiria, and the Lisbon area.
Since 28 January, storms Kristin, Leonardo and Marta have caused 14 deaths and hundreds of injuries and displacements across Portugal. Civil Protection reports a calm night and a slight improvement in flooded areas after late-week river surges — notably in the Douro, Mondego, Tejo, Sado and Guadiana basins — but thousands of incidents were recorded and forecasts of further rain mean flood risk and pressure on emergency services remain elevated.
Depression Marta has caused significant disruptions, leading to the closure of many roads and raising concerns about rising rivers. The death toll has now reached 14, with over ten thousand incidents reported as authorities work to manage the emergency situation.
Portugal is bracing for worsening weather conditions as depression Marta approaches, expected to bring further flooding this Saturday. Civil Protection authorities have issued warnings for urban areas, particularly Lisbon, urging residents to prepare for potential flash floods. The situation is being monitored closely, with updates provided minute by minute.
The arrival of Depression Marta is expected to bring heavy rain to Lisbon and Setúbal, with the most concerning period being between morning and early afternoon. Areas already facing complications may experience the worst impacts as this is the third depression to hit the region in a short span of time.
This Saturday, storm Marta is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, significant snowfall, and very high waves, posing potential dangers to the public. Following Marta, another atmospheric river is anticipated on Sunday, indicating a continued period of severe weather.
In January, the SNS reported a 28% reduction in the number of days with closed emergency services, which the executive director attributes largely to increased utilization of the SNS 24 hotline, leading to improved waiting times for patients.
Depression Kristin has left roads impassable and thousands of homes without electricity and water. The Government has declared a state of calamity for 60 municipalities as Civil Protection warns of continued flood risk in the coming days. This minute-by-minute report tracks the evolving weather conditions in Portugal and the emergency response, including infrastructure impacts, mobilised resources and short-term forecasts guiding recovery decisions.
The Clinical Directorate of the Algarve Local Health Unit told CM that there had been a peak in attendances.
Finland and Portugal worked together to fight summer wildfires in 2023 and 2024. 'Lessons from the Fire' portrays this cooperation in a documentary.
The 30-year-old soldier tells CM that she is motivated by “helping people in places where conventional means cannot reach.” She will work “so that no one is left behind” when everything else fails.
Voting is now open for this year's Heroes in Uniform. Participate - 760 200 925
Voting is now open for this year's Heroes in Uniform. Participate - 760 200 903
We hear an approaching siren, and then we are dazzled to see the flashing blue lights of a red firetruck or ambulance with the white letters “Bombeiros”, as it goes The post Pedro Rafael, the life of a Bombeiro Voluntário appeared first on Portugal Resident.
The webpage features various news updates related to Portugal, including the re-election of José Luís Carneiro as Secretary-General of the PS with 96.9% of votes, highlighting his political prominence. It also mentions a Portuguese individual being honored for contributions to science, serving on the Nobel Committee. Additionally, there are reports on local incidents such as a fire in Setúbal displacing 30 residents. The page covers Portugal's sports events, including live updates from football matches and basketball qualifiers, and briefly touches on Portugal's participation in international competitions. Overall, the content emphasizes political achievements, scientific recognition, local emergencies, and sports updates relevant to Portugal.
Storm Kristin, which brought heavy rain over consecutive days, damaged more than 50 national monuments, so teams are inspecting the sites to assess each one's needs.
José Ornelas stressed that the Diocese of Leiria-Fátima is closely monitoring the difficult situation in the parishes and organisations across the area.
Reports from the areas hardest hit by Storm Kristin, the latest on the presidential elections, a look at the life and work of João Canijo and much more in this newsletter.
