Latest news and stories about public safety in environment in Setúbal, Portugal for expats and residents.
The Almada City Council has extended the municipal alert status regarding water supply until August 31, citing high temperatures and increased tourism despite reservoir levels reaching 78%.
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.
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.
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.
Reservoirs are at 78%, but rising temperatures and the flow of tourists to the beaches justify maintaining restrictions. Nighttime cuts may be reduced in more stable areas.
A foreign national was arrested by the Judicial Police on suspicion of starting a fire in the São João da Caparica forest. The fire consumed 50 square metres and the man is currently in pre-trial detention.
A 56-year-old foreign national was reportedly spotted by firefighters who responded to the blaze.
A report requested by the Almada City Council assesses the situation in areas affected by the series of storms in the municipality where landslides occurred. It will serve as a contribution to future decisions.
The relocation of Navy facilities in Seixal to João Carvalho's company in Barcelos may have compromised the chain of custody of the evidence. Additionally, a fire in Alijó, Vila Real, is being brought under control.
The right side of the fire is already under control, but the blaze is not yet fully contained.
Several personnel and one aerial asset are fighting the flames.
There are vacant dwellings in the area.
The mayor of Almada states that a water tanker distribution system is already underway for the most critical areas to ensure supply to the population.
The fire in Setúbal was declared under control early this Saturday morning. Ten people sustained minor injuries, including eight firefighters. As a precaution, 60 people were evacuated from their homes during the night. Due to flare-ups, attention remained focused on Mourisca and Fralhão.
Residents of Setúbal stayed awake all night due to concern over the fire. The residents helped the firefighters with buckets of water and hoses.
Trump promises the “most spectacular political rally ever” in Washington. Also in this news bulletin, an update on the wildfires affecting the country. Plus, a summary of the Argentina vs. Cape Verde match.
The fire that broke out in Setúbal was successfully contained by emergency services within two hours.
The South Americans eliminated Carlos Queiroz's Ghana 1-0. Also in this news bulletin, an update on the wildfires still ongoing in the country.
The fire caused ten minor injuries, eight firefighters and two civilians, and forced the evacuation of homes. Also in this news, the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil extends Jair Bolsonaro's house arrest.
Portugal has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism and bilateral agreements with Spain and Morocco due to the wildfires, the Prime Minister announced, assuring that national capacity is not exhausted. We are following all developments here, minute by minute.
Update on the status of the fire currently burning in the Setúbal region, noting two active fronts.
In Setúbal, the wildfire remains active and is causing major concern. The fire now has two active fronts and is heading towards a eucalyptus forest.
Paulo Maia, Civil Protection councillor for the Setúbal City Council, provides an update on operations on the ground, where a fire that started in a scrubland area in the parish of São Sebastião has been burning since 14:13.
Spain has sent 120 soldiers and 30 vehicles to support firefighting efforts that began in Vouzela. Also concerning firefighters overnight into this Friday is the fire in Setúbal, which has already led to the evacuation of 60 people from their homes.
Residents are resisting and trying to fight the flames that are getting closer and closer to the homes.
The fire reportedly originated from a vehicle that caught fire, with the flames spreading to an area of brushwood
Barreiro Civil Protection explains that the danger forecast determines that it is necessary to adopt measures to restrict access, circulation, and stay in the Mata Nacional da Machada.
