President of the Republic António José Seguro has begun his first Open Presidency, a five-day tour to inspect storm-affected regions in central Portugal. During his visits, he criticized the government for delays in distributing financial support to residents and businesses, urging Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to accelerate the process.

The Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) saw a net loss of 437 officers last year, according to the latest Annual Internal Security Report (Relatório Anual de Segurança Interna or RASI). While the Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) increased its staff, both the PSP and the National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR) struggled with more departures than new recruits. The report shows that 895 elements left the PSP in 2025, while only 458 new agents joined.

During a parliamentary inquiry, former National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) president Luís Meira testified that the government was aware of the deadlock regarding emergency helicopter tenders before the 2024 strike. Meira contradicted previous statements by the Health Ministry, claiming he provided multiple solutions that were ignored, leaving the institute without clear direction. Those relying on emergency services should note that the inquiry aims to address long-standing staffing and resource shortages.

Update: INEM seeks nearly €1 million in penalties from helicopter provider

INEM intends to fine Gulf Med Aviation Services 926,000 euros for delays and aircraft unavailability during its temporary contract in late 2025. While the company disputes the legitimacy of the fine, the institute maintains the penalties are necessary to address operational failures in the air emergency service (Serviço de Helicópteros de Emergência Médica). Those relying on public healthcare should note that these penalties relate to service gaps that occurred during a period of transition between providers.

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.

An extreme weather event, confirmed by the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) as a tornado, struck Porto Santo on Friday evening, causing widespread property damage but no injuries. The storm resulted in dozens of incidents including fallen trees, power outages, and flooded buildings. Residents in the Madeira archipelago should remain cautious as yellow weather warnings (aviso amarelo) remain in place through Sunday.

The Portuguese Firefighters League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses or LBP) has requested emergency meetings with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. The group warns that rising fuel costs and inadequate state payments for patient transport are compromising their ability to respond to emergencies. Those relying on emergency services should be aware that the LBP is seeking an immediate renegotiation of contracts with the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM).

A group of 13 mayors from the Lisbon and Setúbal regions are requesting urgent parliamentary hearings to oppose the centralization of gynaecology and obstetrics emergency departments (urgências). The government plan involves closing local units in Barreiro and Vila Franca de Xira to consolidate services in larger regional hospitals like Almada and Loures. Residents in the affected areas should be aware that local leaders warn these closures will increase travel times and risks for expectant mothers.

A report from the Inspector-General of Health (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde) states that the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) was unprepared to handle unforeseen events during recent strikes. The investigation found that while INEM had prior knowledge of the labor actions, it failed to organize an adequate response to maintain emergency services. Those relying on public healthcare should be aware of these identified organizational weaknesses during periods of industrial action.

The first regional emergency department (urgência regional) has opened in Loures to handle obstetric cases following the permanent closure of the emergency unit in Vila Franca de Xira. While the move aims to consolidate resources, critics warn that the new system may not solve underlying staff shortages within the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde). Pregnant women from five surrounding municipalities will now be redirected to the Loures facility. Those relying on public healthcare in the region should be aware of these service changes.

A parliamentary inquiry into the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) revealed that many staff had already exceeded the legal limit of 150 overtime hours before the 2024 strike. Former head of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) Fernando Araújo testified that there has been a lack of political accountability for the crisis. The inquiry is investigating the breakdown of emergency services during the industrial action. Those relying on emergency services should note that the system remains under significant strain.

The government has approved a 4.3 million euro expenditure to equip police forces with 1,500 new tasers this year. The non-lethal electric weapons will be distributed between the Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) and the National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR). The Ministry of Internal Administration (Ministério da Administração Interna) stated the move aims to improve operational effectiveness and safety for officers. Residents should note that the rollout is planned for 2026.

A new regional emergency service (serviço de urgência) for obstetrics and gynaecology opens Monday at the Beatriz ngelo Hospital in Loures. The unit aims to centralize care and improve safety for patients from Odivelas to Benavente as the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) struggles with staffing. Those in the Setbal Peninsula should note that a similar centralized model is planned for their region to address unsustainable weekend closures.

Update: Doctors warn Loures emergency unit lacks staff for expansion

Doctors at Hospital Beatriz ngelo warn that integrating patients from Vila Franca de Xira on March 16 lacks necessary reinforcements. Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, stated that the new unit in Almada will only open once medical rosters are fully completed.

The Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities, Emídio de Sousa, confirmed that approximately 700 citizens have returned to Portugal from the Middle East via state-sponsored flights. The repatriation efforts involved aircraft from TAP and the Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa) to assist those fleeing the regional conflict. Residents with family in the region should note that additional commercial flights, including from Emirates, continue to bring more citizens home.

Reports say minimum services during the INEM strike were not assured because of confusion between the ministry and the institute, leaving some emergency resources idle during the late-2024 paralysation. The Frente Comum coordinator said authorities should have guaranteed coverage, and multiple outlets describe planning and communication lapses that undermined the intended fallback system. The breakdown raises questions about how future health-sector strikes will be managed and whether emergency call handling will be prioritised. Those who rely on emergency medical services should note possible disruption during protests and follow local service bulletins.

Of this amount, 35 million euros will be allocated to municipalities and intermunicipal entities affected by the recent storms that primarily hit the West region.

Around 51,000 people remain without phone or internet communications across 33 municipalities after recent severe weather, the Mission Structure (Estrutura de Missão) reports, while authorities have recorded about 139,500 claims totalling roughly €505 million. The government says it is processing thousands of requests for income support, home recovery and loans as repair work continues. Those affected should follow municipal and central-government notices about temporary support and restoration timetables.

Mayors in Barreiro called the decision to close the obstetrics and gynaecology emergency unit (urgência de obstetrícia e ginecologia) incomprehensible, noting the unit recorded over 16,000 births between 2014 and 2024. Separately, the Algarve Local Health Unit (Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve) said a peak in attendances caused long waits at Faro's Emergency Department but denied that temporary doctor shortages caused the six‑hour ambulance hold for stretchers. Pregnant women and residents near the affected hospitals should monitor local health-unit notices and alternative emergency arrangements.

Update: Minister maintains obstetric closure despite staff shortages

The Health Minister said the decision to concentrate emergency services will stand because of shortages of obstetricians, gynaecologists and specialist nurses, but she left open the possibility of reversing the closure if human resources improve; she described the concentration as a technical measure to ensure care. Mayors and local councils continue to protest and prepare political action against the decision.

The president of the Vila Franca de Xira municipality said the possible permanent closure of obstetric emergency services at the local hospital is of “the greatest gravity,” and that the five municipalities served by the unit will contest the decision with the Government and bring the issue to Parliament. The move signals organised local resistance and could prompt national debate about how smaller hospitals retain urgent maternity services. Residents served by the hospital should follow municipal announcements and local political developments.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said the bolstered resources for the 2026 Special Device for Combating Rural Fires (DECIR) must translate into better outcomes, warning against bureaucratic obstacles during a presentation in Ponte da Barca. Multiple outlets report he cited more vehicles, tracked machines and teams as part of the strengthened DECIR and demanded that investments deliver measurable improvements in fire suppression. The remarks signal continued government pressure on local authorities and agencies to improve readiness ahead of the fire season. Residents in high-risk rural areas should watch local civil-protection notices as coordination and resources are adjusted.

One month after storm Kristin, Leiria hospital is still feeling the effects: in the first six hours after the storm 177 polytrauma patients arrived at the emergency department, staff worked without communications, roads remained blocked and many people reached the hospital in their own cars. Medical teams say the surge and infrastructure problems have left services stretched and recovery of normal operations is ongoing. Those relying on emergency care in the Leiria district should expect delays and follow local health unit notices.

A union has publicly accused Ana Paula Martins of making a 'manifestly false statement' during a parliamentary hearing; the minister defended herself, saying she relayed the information she had been given, CNN Portugal and Expresso report. The dispute centres on the accuracy of information presented to MPs and has prompted strong language from union leaders. The incident could heighten scrutiny of ministry briefings and parliamentary exchanges; those following health‑sector policy should watch for formal replies or records of the hearing.

Regional obstetrics emergency services at hospitals in Barreiro and Vila Franca de Xira will close in mid‑March, with pregnant patients from Barreiro redirected to Hospital Garcia de Orta in Almada and those from Vila Franca sent to Hospital de Loures, RTP reports. Local users and politicians have criticised the decision as political and a strategic error, saying it will lengthen journeys for urgent maternity care. Expect changes to where to go for labour emergencies and check the receiving hospitals’ guidance if you live in those municipalities.

Residents of Alcácer do Sal have recounted distress from recent floods as authorities install housing blocks for displaced people, Correio da Manhã reports. Local services are providing temporary accommodation while recovery and damage assessments continue. Those in the affected area should contact the municipality for assistance and check insurance or emergency support options.

CNN Portugal publishes a practical guide on state assistance for people affected by the storms, outlining who may be eligible, what evidence is needed and how to apply for help tied to a state of calamity. The piece walks through municipal and central government steps to request emergency aid and links to forms and contact points. Residents and property owners in affected areas should check municipal guidance and deadlines to secure available support.

Correio da Manhã and Observador report the Firefighters' League said it received inadequate notice about how services would operate during a strike by INEM staff, raising concerns about emergency coverage. The dispute involves the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) and the Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros). Residents in affected areas should monitor local emergency-service announcements until the dispute is resolved.

Update: Firefighters say strike notice on services insufficient

Both Correio da Manhã and Observador quote the Liga dos Bombeiros saying the notice about how services would be organised during the INEM action was inadequate, heightening worries about gaps in emergency coverage.

E-Redes reports roughly 11,000 customers in the areas hit by storm 'Kristin' were still without electricity as of 08:00, with the company urging caution and providing local updates. The figure covers affected localities and may change as crews restore lines and inspect damage. If you live in the affected areas, check E-Redes outage maps, follow local safety guidance and prepare for possible short-term supply interruptions. Homeowners with damage should document it for insurers and contact their electricity supplier.

Update: Público confirms 11,000 without electricity

Público reports the same E-Redes snapshot, saying about 11,000 customers remained without power in affected localities as of 08:00; restoration crews continue inspections and repair work.

President of the Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa urged starting discussions on a national disaster fund during a visit to flood-hit Alcácer do Sal, saying Portugal lacks a dedicated fund while other countries and the EU have one. He praised local leaders and volunteers, and said worsening storms make planning for collective responses sensible. Residents in flood-prone areas should monitor any proposed fund for details on eligibility and compensation mechanisms.

Update: Marcelo presses government during flood tour

Multiple outlets report the president used a visit to Alcácer do Sal to press the Government and propose a new disaster fund, saying Portugal should follow EU peers that already have such mechanisms. Observador and ECO noted the visit praised local officials and volunteers while also pushing for formal talks on how a fund would work.

Proteção Civil recorded 377 occurrences linked to the adverse weather by 18:00, the agency said. The tally covers rescues, floods and other emergency responses across the mainland as teams continue to manage local risks. Those in affected areas should follow municipal guidance and Proteção Civil updates for road closures and safety instructions.

Update: Lusa confirms 377 incidents at 18:00

Lusa's reporting on 14 February confirmed the Proteção Civil total of 377 occurrences as of 18:00, covering a mix of rescues, flood response and other weather-related incidents across the mainland.

The government has indicated that the recovery of the A1 viaduct in Coimbra, which collapsed due to a dam burst on the Mondego River, could take several weeks. In response to the disaster, the Prime Minister has introduced new support measures for affected victims, including a dedicated Recovery and Resilience Plan for Portugal and an increase in credit lines for businesses from 500 million to 1 billion euros.

Update: Metrobus suburban section may reopen next week

RTP reports the suburban stretch of Coimbra's metrobus could reopen next week as water levels fall and repairs progress; authorities continue local assessments of infrastructure damage. Those in Coimbra should watch official local transport notices as services gradually return.