REMINDER ALERT – VISHING – FAKE MICROSOFT TECHNICIANS
Supposed Microsoft technicians asking the victims to install a program on the computer to remotely solve the situation and/or request personal and bank data.
Been around for several years. If you are contacted by phone simply terminate the call, without answering their questions.
The preliminary 2021 monitoring data were revealed by the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF) and may still be revised upwards, “given the vast area now occupied by the species”.In addition to the 70 Iberian lynx whose birth was registered last year – 10 more than the previous year – the data collected also point to the existence of 24 breeding females. In 2020 there were 18.“Seven years after the start of the reintroduction process, around 200 lynx are now referenced, distributed over a vast territory that stretches between the municipalities of Serpa and Tavira”, indicates the ICNF, who notes that “one of the most relevant aspects of 2021 was the consolidation of the population in the Algarve”.In Portugal, the Iberian lynx was, until 2015, a Critically Endangered species.In national territory, this cat was in a “pre-extinction” situation, from which it recovered thanks to measures taken in recent years, which allowed the stabilization of a population in the Guadiana Valley.
PROGRESS ON RE-ESTABLISHING SERVICES
CONSUMER ORGANISATION DECO PROTESE STATEMENT ON VODAFONE CUSTOMER RIGHTS CONCERNING COMPENSATION.
Vodafone update last night
“Noting the progress of the work to restore its operation, Vodafone informs that today’s priority has been the stabilization of its network and the recovery of the fixed voice service, which is relevant for all customers, but in particular for business customers. Since lunchtime, we have gradually started the restoration of this service, which has steadily gained stability”.
“It was also possible to re-establish some communication channels with our Customer Support Service. However, we warn of constraints that are still associated and ask for the understanding of customers in the face of the instability that still exists in this service. The re-establishment of digital channels, namely through the My Vodafone APP, is another priority area of action, with results already achieved but not yet fully accessible”.
“The process of sustainability of the provision of mobile data services over the 4G network also continues, which has been evolving favourably, as a result of the continuous efforts of our technical teams.”
Vodafone continues to make an effort to restore its operation, after the cyberattack it was targeted on Monday. There are customers who are, since that time, prevented from performing certain services, but when asked if it is considering giving them compensation, the company says that the “focus” at the moment is to re-establish the operation.
“Right now, Vodafone’s focus is on re-establishing its operation, as soon as possible and with maximum stability, to restore all services to its customers,” said an official Vodafone source in response to Notícias ao Minuto.
Deco Proteste (Portuguese Consumer organisation said, on Wednesday that “we are facing an exceptional situation, in which Vodafone will apparently not be held liable”. However, it is necessary to wait to see what the telecom operator will decide.
“It also remains to wait to see what position the operator will take in relation to its customers. Although it is not responsible for the defective provision of its service, it may somehow seek to compensate its customers “, said DECO, in a note published on its website.
Deco Proteste statement concerning the Vodafone and the situation regarding compensation can be downloaded here:https://www.deco.proteste.pt/…/ciberataque-vodafone…
SAFER INTERNET DAY – PROTECTING AGAINST CYBERBULLYING
Sign up today for the European Safest Internet Day, an INSAFE network initiative with the support of the European Commission, which seeks to contribute to the consolidation of a safer internet for everyone, especially for young people.
Among the potential risks to which users are naturally and inevitably exposed to through online activity, “PSP highlights this year the invasion of privacy (physical and or virtual) that can take, among others, the form of ‘cyberbullying’ , ‘cyberstalking’ (computer harassment), ‘revenge porn’ (sharing intimate content for revenge) or ‘sexting’ (sexual messages)”.
Cyberbullying is bullying which, through information technologies (social networks, messaging platforms, games or texting), consist of the same crimes of aggression, threat, offense, defamation, persecution, or destruction of private life.
Such behaviour (represented and which constitutes a crime) that targets one or a group of specific victims, practiced intentionally, unequal and continuous in time, causing fear or shame in front of the group.
There are, however, some preventive measures, specific to each form of aggression, that can be adopted in order to reduce the risk of victimization”, states the PSP, which “advises all people who perceive themselves to be targeted by any of these behaviours, to immediately adopt the two most effective defensive measures: blocking and denouncing (reporting)”.
PREVENTION
For more information and advice and assistance to children, youth and parents on how to deal with harmful content, harmful contact (such as grooming) and harmful conduct such as (cyberbullying or sexting). In multiple languages
IN Portuguese
https://www.betterinternetforkids.eu/sic/portugal
In English
https://www.betterinternetforkids.eu/sic/united-kingdom
Overview and other languages:https://www.betterinternetforkids.eu/policy/insafe-inhope
COMMUNICATIONS IN THE FIRE BRIGADES “ARE FULLY FUNCTIONING” ASSURES CIVIL PROTECTION
The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) clarified this Tuesday that operational communications are in full operation and that firefighters’ associations have the SIRESP communications network and/or the Firefighters’ Operational Network.
In a response to questions asked by Lusa regarding the existence of constraints in the communications of fire brigades due to the cyberattack that the operator Vodafone was targeted, ANEPC stated: “Operational communications are fully functioning, without any constraints”.
It adds that firefighters’ associations “have the SIRESP – Integrated System of Emergency and Security Networks of Portugal communications network and, alternatively, the Firefighters’ Operational Network (ROB), which ensures the support and development of operations. And assistance that may be necessary to develop in the most varied scenarios, thus guaranteeing communications”.
ANEPC’s response comes after, statements to the Lusa agency, by the commander of the Bragança firefighters, Carlos Martins, who said that since Monday the corporation has been without communications, namely in the usual number of the brigade, as a result of the constraints at Vodafone.
“The biggest problem” that the situation poses, as the commander explained, is the medical emergency, but, “since 21:00 on Monday, it has been established, by national indications that these communications are made through the state network for emergency and security situations, SIRESP.
The executive chairman of Vodafone Portugal said that the cyberattack on the company, on Monday, was “a criminal act” that had “clearly” the objective of making the network unavailable, “with seriousness, to make the level of services as difficult as possible”.
PORTUGAL WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!
World champions and Twice EUROPEAN CHAMPION
Portugal 4-2 Rússia
RESOLUTION OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS N. º 17/2022 FROM 2022-02-06 – CHANGES THE MEASURES APPLICABLE IN THE SCOPE OF THE COVID-19 DISEASE PANDEMIC AS BEEN PUBLISHED
Here’s our understanding of this resolution and FOR NOW we will focus this post on the changes regarding AIR TRAVEL:
Entry into force – the day following its publication, so at 00h01 of February 7th
On ARTICLE 18 – GENERAL RULES APPLICABLE TO ENTRY INTO NATIONAL TERRITORY BY AIR
Number 1 – Essential and non-essential travel are allowed for:
a) Passengers from countries of the European Union and countries associated with the Schengen Area (Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland);
Passengers coming from countries, special administrative regions and territorial entities included in the list to be defined, subject to confirmation of reciprocity, or passengers from these countries even though they make a stopover in countries not listed;
Number 2 -Essential travel by passengers from countries not listed in the previous number are also authorized.
On ARTICLE 19 – RULES APPLICABLE TO ENTRY INTO NATIONAL TERRITORY BY AIR
Number 2 – Not require the presentation of proof of carrying out a test with a negative result for:
b) Passengers with an EU COVID Digital Certificate
c) Passengers with proof of vaccination or recovery certificates issued by third countries recognized in conditions of reciprocity. Meaning the 33 non-EU countries (and territories) that have joined the EU Digital COVID Certificate system.
Albania; Andorra; Armenia; Cabo Verde; El Salvador; Faroe Islands; Georgia; Israel; Iceland; Lebanon; Liechtenstein; Moldova; Monaco; Montenegro; Morocco; New Zealand; North Macedonia; Norway; Panama; San Marino; Serbia; Singapore; Switzerland; Taiwan; Thailand; Tunisia; Togo; Turkey; Ukraine; United Arab Emirates; United Kingdom and the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man); Uruguay; The Vatican
Number 1 – WITHOUT an EU digital Certificate or a Proof of vaccination recognized in conditions of reciprocity:
Airlines must only allow passengers to board flights to or from mainland Portugal upon presentation, at the time of departure, of proof of carrying out a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or a rapid antigen test (TRAg) for professional use with a negative result, CARRIED OUT WITHIN 72 OR 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE TIME OF BOARDING.
Number 5 – The provisions of the previous numbers are not applicable to minors under 12 years of age.
Number 9 – For the purposes of the provisions of this article, only rapid antigen tests (TRAg) that appear on the common list of rapid antigen tests to screen for COVID-19 disease within the Community, agreed by the Union Health Security Committee European.
Number 10 – For the purposes of complying with the provisions of the previous number, proof of laboratory performance of a rapid antigen test (TRAg) must necessarily indicate the set of standardized data agreed by the Health Safety Committee of the European Union.
Informal english translation on our website https://www.safecommunitiesportugal.com/resolution-of…/…
Portuguese version https://dre.pt/…/resolucao-conselho…/17-2022-178716210
EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS HAS RESULTED IN MORE THAN 140,000 DEATHS IN EUROPE IN 40 YEARS
Extreme weather events such as heat waves or floods, which are expected to increase in the coming years as a result of climate change, have cost 142,000 lives and almost €510 billion in Europe over the last 40 years.
The assessment also found that the overwhelming amount of the fatalities — more than 85% in the 40-year period — was due to heatwaves. The heatwave of 2003 caused most fatalities, representing between 50 and 75% of all fatalities from weather and climate-related events over the last four decades, according to the data. Similar heatwaves after 2003 caused a significant lower amount of fatalities, as adaptation measures were taken in different countries and by different actors.
The European Environment Agency (EEA), based in Copenhagen, responsible for the study released today, calls for continuous adaptation measures, both at individual and state levels. And it warns that only a quarter of the recorded damages were covered by insurance.
Climatic events such as heat waves, but also periods of cold, droughts or forest fires are responsible for 93% of all deaths and 22% of financial losses, according to the report, quoted by the AFP agency and based on data from the organization CATDAT. .
Human losses are much smaller in floods, but these disasters were the ones that caused the most damage, 44% of the total, ahead of storms (34%).
Some very serious events concentrate much of the damage: 3% of identified disasters are responsible for about 60% of the financial cost from 1980 – 2020.
The 2003 heat wave alone killed around 80,000 people in the 32 European countries analysed, which include the 27 member states of the European Union (EU), as well as Turkey and the United Kingdom.
For EEA member countries, total economic losses from weather- and climate-related events amounted to between EUR 450 and EUR 520 billion (in 2020 euros), for the 1980-2020 period. In absolute terms, the highest economic losses in the period 1980-2020 were registered in Germany followed by France then Italy.
Around 23 % of total losses were insured, although this also varied considerably among countries, from 1 % in Romania and Lithuania to 56 % in Denmark and 55 % in the Netherlands (based on CATDAT data). Overall, the World Meteorological Organization estimates that the number of weather-related disasters has increased over the past 50 years, causing more property damage but fewer deaths.
SAFETY WILL BE KEY TO CHOOSING A POST-PANDEMIC HOLIDAY DESTINATION
Coimbra, Feb 02, 2022 (Lusa) – Safety will be an even more decisive aspect when choosing a holiday destination after the covid-19 pandemic, revealed a study by researchers from the University of Coimbra (UC) released today.
The conclusions of the study, conducted by Catarina Gouveia and Cláudia Seabra, researchers at the Center for Studies on Geography and Spatial Planning (CEGOT), classified safety as “a fundamental factor to consider in the recovery of the tourist industry”.
The authors added that the covid-19 pandemic had a very significant effect on the perception of safety for the practice of various tourist activities.
“In global terms, tourists indicate a higher perception of risk for the practice of all tourist and leisure activities, especially those practiced in closed or small spaces, that is, with greater agglomeration of people, especially amusement or theme parks, concerts and shows, sporting events, urban/historical centers, shopping in shopping centers and streets, casinos and gambling houses, nightclubs and nightlife venues”, said Cláudia Seabra, quoted in a press release sent to Lusa agency.
The professor at the UC Faculty of Arts noted, on the other hand, that activities related to nature, such as sports or trips to ocean and river beaches, “despite the negative impact of the pandemic, are still considered less unsafe activities.”
Visits to art galleries, museums and monuments and going to restaurants “are also activities considered less unsafe, although the perception of safety in their practice has been reduced after the pandemic”, stressed Cláudia Seabra.
The study involved 320 tourists who visited the Centro region over seven months – between November 2020 and May 2021 – the majority (98.4%) of Portuguese nationality.
“It was clear that the impacts of the pandemic were severe for Central Portugal, one of the most diversified regions in terms of tourism in the country, which, until the beginning of 2020, was booming. The results indicate that tourists in Central Portugal have changed their habits, especially with regard to the type of accommodation, security and transport used in the trips”, underlined Cláudia Seabra.
COMMENT: In fact safety has been identified from previous surveys as being the top factor for tourists, although not Covid-19 related. ABTA (British Tourism Association) survey 2015 – Safety and security no 1 priority among holiday makers. Our remit at Safe Communities Portugal is promoting Safe Tourism and this small survey highlights the importance of this.
On Monday this week in the Algarve the temperature reached an unseasonable 23.5C in the Aljezur in the Algarve, but on 2nd February 1954 that was far from the case.
Boy pictured in Lagoa
The winter of 1953/54 was a very cold one in Portugal with the record low being set on 5th February 1954 in Penhas da Saúde, Miranda in the north, at minus −16.0 °C. But it was not only the north that saw cold temperatures and snow it was the Algarve as well!
Although experiencing a very intense cold, not only in Portugal, but also in the rest of Europe, nothing could foresee the unusual event about to unfold. The Algarve, used to mild temperatures, lived through days of an icy winter that led to the fall of a heavy snowfall throughout the region.
It was an unusual phenomenon, but not unheard of in the South, this arrival for a few hours of a rare Algarve snow – the snowflakes falling, it was said, like the petals of almond.
For its uniqueness, the snowfall was recorded in the memory of all who witnessed it and was widely spread by the journals of the time as the “Daily News” (DN), “The Century” and “The Voice”.
On 1 February, snowfall in Lagos and Odiáxere, causing great confusion among the population. Also in Lagos, were seen a few flakes still January 31, but it was February 2 that the snow hit, there and throughout the region.
At its peak: “This afternoon [February 2] from 16.00 to 19.00 hours, snow fell with greater intensity, so the city was all covered in white. On the roads snow reached between 25 cms and 50 cms. There is no memory among the elderly people of the land of anything similar to what now witnessed and it is commented how strange a phenomenon it is in these parts. “The temperature dropped quite dramatically, reaching, in Portimão, 1 ° C.”
Lagos fell “under an icy cold”, along with drizzle. In Odeceixe, the phenomenon lasted for three hours, snowfall in some places, being more than 20cms deep, leaving the fields “completely white”, an unprecedented vision.
Also in Lagos it snowed abundantly. The same happened in Porches, while in neighbouring Pera Pera, just in almond snow caused admiration: “as a wonderful spectacle never seen in this town.” “With a uniform shade of sky of lead and absence of wind, snow fell in the morning, on this location. The roofs and the fields were completely white and the show for the first time here observed, strongly impressed the population.”
About Alcantarilha it was published: “The cold has been very intense. In the morning there was snowfall, which astonished many people, because in truth there is no memory of such a large amount of snow. The extremely light flakes, seemed petals of almond flowers.” In the railway junction of Tunes, the village “was under a thick blanket of snow. No memory of a snowfall so intense in the Algarve.”
In the old city of Silves, “snow fell on this city and surroundings all afternoon yesterday, providing a rare show of beauty. No-one remembers such low temperature, nor so much snow,” as reported “The Voice”, referring again: “Today, because of the snowfall that fell during the night, the fields, rooftops, trees and streets were covered with great amount of snow, the appearance of which was charming as in some points the layer reached 40 cm in depth. The entire population rushed to higher ground, to witness so beautiful an aspect which remained until the sun broke everything. ”
The same happened in São Bartolomeu de Messines: “It snowed yesterday with such intensity that in just over two hours the snow reached at some points, more than 30 cm thick.
In the capital district, Faro, a report dated 3rd stated: “During part of the day yesterday and last night heavy snow fell on this town, a fact which is recorded for the first time here and aroused the most lively curiosity, because the most people had never seen snow. This reached some points over a span of time and they stood for most of the day, which was very cold. ”
The same happened in Estoi, where the thermometer registered 0º C. Also in São Brás temperatures fell greatly, the thermometer registering, “two degrees below zero, which dropped to minus – 4C at 7pm hours, temperatures that there is only 23 years ago were recorded”, reported The Voice “. Snow fell in São Brás continuously for 10 hours, reaching the streets “30 cm high and, in some places, one meter”.
In turn, in Olhão, it snowed heavily during the afternoon, until about 9pm, leaving a white carpet 15 cm deep. On the street of Eng. Duarte Pacheco, drifting snow even blocked the doorways.
The next morning, “the village appeared wrapped in a huge white blanket of snow and ice, giving Olhão the opportunity to witness a unique spectacle. During the day, people poured into the street, the accumulated snow on the terraces of the residences, which gave rise to thick blocks that despite the sun were slow to melt. Around, the almond blossoms mingling with snowflakes, offered a great show.”
In Fuzeta, wrote the newspapers, “there is no memory as stunning as the one that occurred in this village, whose streets and terraces were covered with snow.” In fact, by the sea and all along the coast, hundreds of boats and beaches themselves were covered in snow.
In Tavira, it snowed abundantly between 6pm and 11pm, accumulating about 40 cm deep in Martyrs of the Republic. As for the fields, referred to the DN, “all the trees seem almond blossom.”
In the parish of Cachopo, the snow was about 60 centimetres, also falling in earnest in Santa Catarina. The latter locations even called the fire department from Tavira to clear snow off roofs and balconies, because they were afraid that the weight would force them to collapse.
In fact, the idyllic and charming setting caused by the snowfall was accompanied by huge losses. The press did not stop to list this saying “in the Algarve, where the rarity of the white snow of the show lent greater importance to snowfall (…)” The other side of the coin is, however, the desolation of the farmers in presence of devastated crops. Many new trees were damaged, almond crops were lost as incalculable losses for seed are the sad result of this show,” reported the DN.
“The Century” listed some damage in Silves. “The temporary theatre of the Oliveira Rafael Company, which is installed in Largo da Lady of Martyrs, collapsed with the weight of snow and volunteer firefighters could do nothing. One of the firefighters was dragged by the collapse”.
In Falacho, a large eucalyptus fell under the weight of snow, not to mention olive and carob trees. Primary schools were blocked by snow, making it painful access for students and teachers. The roads were littered with accidents, on the hillside of St. Peter some vehicles were in ditches because they skidded in the snow.
The journeys of coaches to Armacao de Pera were interrupted for four hours and factories of the cork industry did not work as a result of intense cold which was felt. Recent seed that has not germinated will not suffer losses with snow, but the peas and broad beans were burned, which causes a great loss to the region.”
These losses were repeated throughout the Algarve. In Estoi, the favais were hidden under half a meter of snow, which also happened in Frame Guide, etc. There were still roofs to be swept, as in Moncarapacho and Olhão, broken electricity and telephone lines, interrupting the respective services.
In Faro, for example, reported the DN, “all last night and part of the day the supply of electricity to the city was interrupted and from the 4pm yesterday until 11am today telephone connections with Lisbon and the rest of the country were cut.”
The same happened in Olhão, where even workers repairing damage and clearing snow had to be rescued, paralysing the work. Roads were impassable, blocked with cars and buses.
In Tavira, jobs were suspended, while in Alcoutim only journeys between Vila Real de Santo António and Martin longo took place, but in difficult conditions.
Rail connections were also affected, with train delays. There were the countless pedestrian falls in the streets and with them many arms and legs broken. The cold of those days resulted in the death of many birds and swallows that had arrived the day before, hit by the cold, and entered houses in search of refuge.
However and despite all these setbacks and losses, the snowfall was marked in memory of those who witnessed it by surprise and spectacle that created, causing still charm and wonder.
If the past 60 years, several times, small snowflakes have fallen in the region. But never to this day was repeated one of equal size to the snowfall that occurred in February 1954.
* Author: Aurelio Nuno Cabrita is environmental engineer and researcher of Local and Regional History.
Other sources: https://www.sulinformacao.pt/en/2014/02/o-algarve-cobriu-se-de-neve-ha-60-anos/
Weather temperature map based on NOAA 20th century reanalysis published by www.wellerzentrale.de.
