PORTUGAL SITUATION REPORT WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022
Yesterday evening I took part as an observer in a Civil Protection Exercise LIVEX 2021 (the year planning started). The exercise involved the collaboration of Faro Airport, the National Maritime Authority and the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority and was held between 1600 and 20.00 hrs.
This exercise was for first time located outside the airport perimeter simulating an aircraft accident in the surrounding area, namely the Ria Formosa, and with the airport in full operation. During this exercise the equipment acquired specifically to provide assistance and rescue in air accident situations that may occur in areas of swamp and difficult to access, was used.
These exercises are very important in testing the response to emergency situations and form part of a series of exercises that have been conducted this year involving major road accidents; a hotel fire, radiological incidents etc
Yesterday we posted a reminder concerning beach safety. We have lovely beaches in Portugal but it is important to be aware that most beaches do not have lifeguards at this time of the year until the beach season starts in early June. One of the reasons for this is the shortage of lifeguards. This is a matter we have taken up with Turismo do Algarve.
A reminder that Metropolitano de Lisboa stations are closed this morning until 0930 hrs due to the partial strike of workers, which at 6:35 am registered an adhesion of about 100%”, according to Anabela Carvalheira, from the Federation of Transport and Communications Unions (Fectrans). Two further strikes are planned on 18th and 27th May so please take note of this if you are planning your journey on these days,
Aso a reminder that the workers of CP – Comboios de Portugal have declared a full strike on 16th May calling for a salary increases of 90 euros for all workers. The decision was taken in decentralized plenary sessions of workers that took place in Porto, Entroncamento and Lisbon and were promoted by the National Union of Railway Sector Workers (SNTSF), of the Federation of Transport and Communications Unions (Fectrans). If you are planning to travel by train please be aware that this could impact on train scheduling the day before and day after as has happened on previous strikes. We suggest that people contact CP.PT with any enquiries concerning this.
Whilst on the subject of railways, CP.PT have posted a warning on their website concerning the on-line sale of CP rale tickets through the on-line sites of “Rail Ninja” and “Kiwi”. The notice reads “We inform that “Rail Ninja” and “Kiwi” are not authorised agents for CP tickets selling and there isn´t any contractual agreement between CP and those companies. CP declines any responsibility for the information disclosed by those entities or for any losses arising from ticket purchases made through them”. https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/train-times/Alerts/unauthorised-sale-tickets
Lastly a reminder that with temperatures increasing over the next few days forecast to reach 30C in some parts of the country do take extra care to avoid any action that may result in a rural fire. We will be posting more on this topic especially for those heading out into the rural areas. With that please have a safe day.