Portugal’s Secretary of State Warns of High Seismic Risk Across the Nation

Portugal’s Secretary of State Warns of High Seismic Risk Across the Nation

Portugal’s Secretary of State for Civil Protection, Patrícia Gaspar, has brought to light the high seismic risk that threatens the country. Regions such as the Lisbon metropolitan area, Algarve, and Azores archipelago are particularly at risk due to their geographic positioning and construction standards. Gaspar emphasized the importance of ongoing preparation efforts, from both the community and institutional levels, to mitigate the potential impact of a significant earthquake.

Following the recent earthquake disaster in Morocco, Lisbon’s Mayor, Carlos Moedas, asserted that his city is well-prepared for a similar event. This sentiment was backed up by Gaspar, who confirmed that significant work has been undertaken to lessen the effects of such disasters. However, she also cautioned that high magnitude earthquakes would still have considerable impacts, despite the extensive preparation efforts.

Gaspar pointed out that the country is filled with many buildings that were built before the implementation of the current seismic construction regulations. This raises concerns about the structural integrity of these buildings during an earthquake. She emphasized the importance of continuous updating of the country’s preparedness efforts and highlighted the crucial role local authorities play in mapping these older structures.

Confronting Seismic Risks Nationwide

Preparation work is not limited to Lisbon, but is ongoing across the Algarve and Azores regions. Gaspar stressed the importance of creating mechanisms to reduce the potential impact of earthquakes on the population, both from a structural and behavioural perspective. This includes adhering to advice from Civil Protection and other entities, as well as acknowledging the importance of continuous preparation work to adapt to the evolving legislative framework and construction standards.

Resilience Through Preparedness

Under the umbrella of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Portuguese National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) oversees the protection and relief operations in mainland. It is responsible for planning, coordinating and executing civil protection policy, namely in the fields of prevention and response to major accidents and disasters, protection and relief of populations, and superintendence of fire brigades. The civil protection legal basis stresses the preventive aspect as a key factor for a more resilient society.

While Portugal faces a high seismic risk, the nation is not turning a blind eye to the threat. Through extensive preparation efforts, continuous updates to legislative frameworks and construction standards, and a country-wide focus on reducing the potential impact of earthquakes, Portugal is continuously working towards mitigating the effects of a significant seismic event.