Four injured in van crash on the A22 in Albufeira
Eighteen emergency responders were at the scene, supported by seven vehicles.
Access to the Torre at Serra da Estrela reopened
Access to the Torre at Serra da Estrela, which had been closed since Thursday afternoon due to snowfall, reopened at 10:30 today, a Civil Protection source told the Lusa news agency.
The fire shelter promised eight years ago will now be built in Ferraria de São João
More than eight years after the Pedrógão fire, the laying of the first stone for a fire shelter — funded by businessman Jorge Mendes — will take place this Saturday in the village of Ferraria de São João.
Clérigos Tower in Porto partially evacuated due to a fire in an electrical panel
The flames were extinguished by the site's security team.
Woman killed after being struck by a train on the Douro Line in Alfena. Services have now resumed
Ermesinde firefighters were mobilised to the scene.
Santa Maria received more than 200 landings in ten months
The heliport recorded 208 landings since March 2025, becoming a “strategic point” for emergency air transport in the Lisbon region. Transport includes patients, doctors and organs.
Santa Maria Hospital heliport exceeded 200 landings in ten months
The heliport has become the 'strategic point' for emergency air transport in the Lisbon region and is the most used among the country's hospital units.
Fifteen districts of mainland Portugal under yellow warning for snow and coastal swell
Fifteen mainland Portugal districts are under a yellow warning for snow and sea swell until 18:00. Authorities and emergency services are monitoring conditions and advising the public to take precautions against disruption to transport and coastal hazards.
IPMA issues yellow warning for snow and rough seas in 15 districts at 3am
At 3am the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) placed 15 districts under a yellow warning due to expected snowfall and rough seas.
Almada Hospital is without an emergency medical vehicle for four nights
Initially, disruptions were expected across eight night-time shifts.
Three killed and four injured in a collision on the IC2
Multiple emergency units were dispatched to the scene.
Fire in Lisbon apartment building displaces eight people; €17,000 reportedly found in the flat where the blaze started
A short circuit is believed to have caused the incident.
Earthquake felt in Portugal
Home News Earthquake felt in Portugal Earthquake felt in Portugal An earthquake measuring 2.
Heavy rain and 5.5m waves put districts on alert
Multiple outlets warn of persistent rain and rough seas with waves up to 5.5 metres and orange-level alerts in several coastal districts; authorities advise following local safety guidance and expect disruption to coastal travel and maritime activities. The alerts emphasise flood and coastal-surge risk in exposed areas and recommend avoiding unnecessary travel near the shore. Residents should be aware of local civil-protection instructions and avoid coastal promenades and small-boat activity while warnings are in force.
IPMA is the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera), the national agency for weather, marine forecasts and climate monitoring. Residents should watch its forecasts and warnings during storms, heatwaves or cold snaps because IPMA issues official advisories used by services, transport operators and local authorities.
Emergency associations argue that a single command structure in the Civil Protection law would centralise decision‑making during major incidents, reducing confusion between municipal, regional and national responders and improving the speed and efficiency of operations. They say this clearer hierarchy would help volunteers and professional services coordinate on the front line, which is why they want that change included before the health framework law is finalised.
LUCAS device installed at a hospital in Leiria to treat cardiorespiratory arrests
Response to cardiorespiratory arrest situations has been strengthened.
Ambulance purchase will "allow INEM to increase its response capacity"
PSD MP Miguel Guimarães welcomed the announcement to purchase 245 ambulances, saying it will allow INEM to increase its response capacity across multiple locations, notably Greater Lisbon and Setúbal. Analytically, the investment should improve coverage and potentially reduce response times in high-demand areas, but its effectiveness will depend on deployment strategy, crew availability and integration with existing emergency services. Close monitoring of allocation and operational metrics will be required to ensure the intended gains in emergency healthcare delivery are realised.
Ambulance investment announced in wake of recent tragedies dubbed ‘strange’
The prime minister announced what was described as “the largest investment in ambulances in over a decade” — 275 new vehicles — less than 36 hours after three citizens were reported to have died while waiting for care. Critics have called the timing “strange” and labelled the move demagoguery, arguing it risks masking systemic negligence in emergency services rather than addressing deeper policy and resourcing failures in healthcare and public safety. The episode has intensified calls for transparent planning, independent oversight and comprehensive reforms to emergency medical services rather than one-off equipment purchases.
Road fatalities cost €1.5 billion in 2025
Road fatalities and related casualties cost an estimated €1.5 billion in 2025, while overall road casualty levels have effectively returned to 2016 figures. The year saw more collisions and a rise in injuries, maintaining pressure on emergency services and the healthcare system and undermining public safety. Economically, the persistent casualty rate represents a significant indirect and direct cost that acts as a negative indicator for public finances and productivity. The pattern suggests a need for renewed, targeted prevention measures, enhanced enforcement and investment in safer infrastructure to reverse the trend and reduce both human and fiscal costs.
Ambulances held up at Faro Emergency Department due to shortage of doctors and rise in patient numbers
The Clinical Directorate of the Algarve Local Health Unit told CM that there had been a peak in attendances.
Obstetrics: four emergency departments close on Saturday, three on Sunday
On Saturday the obstetrics and gynaecology emergency departments at the hospitals in Abrantes, Setúbal and Portimão, and the obstetrics emergency department in Vila Franca de Xira, will be closed. The Setúbal emergency department reopens on Sunday.
Effects of the depression <em>Francis</em> will begin to be felt from Thursday
The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) warns that the low-pressure system 'Francis' will begin affecting the Portuguese mainland from Thursday. Stronger winds are expected from Thursday afternoon, with light rain forecast for New Year’s Day mainly on the west coast spreading inland; no rain is expected on New Year’s Eve.
