Latest news and stories about emergency services in Setúbal, Portugal for expats and residents.
The municipality of Almada has implemented overnight water cuts from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM as reserves drop to 10% capacity, sparking public unrest and protests amid a deepening supply crisis.
The Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada faced temporary emergency department closures due to staffing roster issues and an influx of births, while separate concerns arise over the closure of a Family Health Unit in Alverca due to facility maintenance failures.
The Portuguese government is considering extending the national state of alert into next week as extreme heat and ongoing wildfires, particularly in Vouzela, continue to threaten the region.
A garbage truck crash in Costa da Caparica has resulted in one worker being trapped and the total closure of the IC20 highway, with emergency services currently on the scene.
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A woman in Palmela has died after waiting over an hour for emergency medical assistance, highlighting critical concerns regarding the availability and maintenance of emergency vehicles.
Dragão Vermelho beach in Costa da Caparica has been closed to swimming following a fatal drowning incident and recurring safety concerns, with the ban remaining in effect until sand replenishment is completed.
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.
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.
Mayors in Barreiro are opposing the closure of the obstetrics and gynaecology emergency unit, citing that over 16,000 births have occurred there between 2014 and 2024. They find the decision to close the unit incomprehensible, especially in light of ongoing healthcare challenges, such as ambulances being held for hours at other emergency departments due to high patient volumes.
The Almada City Council has extended the alert status due to ongoing landslide risks on the cliffs of Costa da Caparica and Porto Brandão, following several incidents that have occurred since the onset of recent storms.
Update: Ongoing Landslide Risks The municipality of Almada has recorded several landslides on the cliffs of Costa da Caparica and Porto Brandão, a situation that has not yet been resolved.
An elderly woman tragically passed away in the emergency room of Gracia de Orta Hospital in Almada while waiting for medical attention after being triaged and moved to the clinical observation area.
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.
Clarisse Campos, the mayor of Alcácer do Sal, expressed a sense of hope and community resilience in the aftermath of the recent floods that devastated the municipality. In an interview with CNN Portugal, she emphasized the collective desire to rebuild and support one another during this challenging time.
Authorities in Alcácer do Sal report a 'brutal' and rapid rise in the Sado river's flow but say the situation remains under control. Civil Protection is monitoring conditions, has evacuation plans ready should riverside areas flood, and expects the flow to rise slightly more before beginning a slower fall from around 04:00—timing that will depend on further rainfall and dam management decisions. Updates will hinge on precipitation forecasts and operational releases from upstream infrastructure.
The Almada City Council, in the Setúbal district, has decided to extend the alert status declared at the beginning of July following water supply failures in the municipality until 31 August. It is informed that, under the terms of order no. 44/2026 from the Mayor of Almada, the Alert Status of...
One crew member was in the water trying to refloat the vessel. The victims showed signs of hypothermia and exhaustion.
A woman in Almada gave birth to a baby girl at home due to a lack of ambulances and available resources at the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), the Union of Pre-Hospital Emergency Technicians (STEPH) reported today.
A 35-year-old woman gave birth at home in Almada before an ambulance could be dispatched, despite being classified as a priority-two emergency involving bleeding and severe pain. The call for The post Baby born at home after Almada emergency call waits 30 minutes for ambulance appeared first on Portugal Resident.
A pregnant woman in Almada called for an ambulance but, 16 minutes later, ended up giving birth at home
The incident occurred on Wednesday in Almada. An ambulance was only dispatched half an hour after the initial call.
A woman in Almada gave birth to a baby girl at home due to a lack of available ambulances and resources from the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), the Union of Pre-Hospital Emergency Technicians (STEPH) reported today. The incident occurred on Wednesday in the Torrão neighbourhood after an initial call at 12:09, but an ambulance was only dispatched half an hour later. STEPH official Rui Lázaro criticised the INEM's alleged decision to remove 100 ambulances from service, a claim the institute's management has denied. The pregnant woman, who was experiencing haemorrhaging and severe pain, was triaged as priority 2, but no ambulances were available in the area at the time. The baby, named Vitória, was born at home with the help of neighbours before the ambulance arrived. Both mother and child were eventually taken to the Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital in Lisbon. The union argues that this case highlights systemic failures, while the INEM maintains that it is not dismantling its emergency services but rather integrating them more effectively with hospital care.
The death was declared at the scene of the accident by the doctor from the emergency and resuscitation medical vehicle of the Litoral Alentejano Hospital.
The victim was assisted by a doctor present at the beach and by lifeguards. Resuscitation efforts were not enough to reverse the situation.
Authorities received the alert at 16:53, provided by lifeguards, who indicated that the man was in cardiorespiratory arrest.
A fire in a garage in Setúbal forced the evacuation of nearly 300 people during the night.
Six vehicles also caught fire.
André Morais, coordinator of the Montijo Civil Protection, reinforces that there are reasons for concern regarding the development of large fires in Portugal, given the current situation in Spain and France. The expert laments the lack of investment in prevention.
Around 300 people had to be evacuated from their homes tonight in Setúbal due to a fire in an underground car park, where six vehicles were burnt, a civil protection source told Lusa.
