Portugal Safety and Security Report Thursday 9th January 2025
Good morning. Firstly good news that the National Union of Sapadores Firefighters (SNBS) have called off the strike and demonstration scheduled for Jan 15th, to allow the meeting called by the Government for Jan 16th to be held. The government and firefighters’ unions today resume negotiations that had been interrupted on December 3, 2024 due to the protests. In early December, the executive suspended negotiations with firefighters, accusing them of applying illegitimate pressure, with a protest that included firecrackers, torches and smoke near the government headquarters. Let us hope that progress can be made in resolving this dispute.
The recent heavy rains in various parts of the mainland over the last few days has given rise to floods particularly in the north, As a result a series of weather warning were issued by the IPMA and preventive advice issued by the ANEPC. It is very important that the advice particularly that concerning the state of the roads and rough seas affecting some sea fronts, is followed – as it is there to ensure public safety in some conditions.
Specifically there have been a large number of fallen trees, but luckily no deaths which could have resulted in anyone had been in their car at the time. Advice has been given concerning flash flooding which as the name suggests can occur with very little warning. We remind people to follow the advice that is given.
As we are only a short way into winter we can expect more bad weather, so please plan ahead through the proper fixing of loose structures, namely, scaffolding, signposts and other suspended structures as well as the clearing of guttering and drainage channels.
A reminder if you are travelling in Spain and whilst there become a victim of a crime, please note that this cannot now be reported over the phone in English. Instead for certain crimes use the online “Complaints Forms”, which is available in four languages: Spanish, German, English and French. https://denuncias.policia.es/OVD/? Please note that you are still required to visit the nearest police station to sign the complaint within 72 hours. Note: If the crime is “process of taking place”, you must report it immediately by using phone numbers 091 or 112.
It was saddening to note from the report on road accidents and inspections in 2024, issued by the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR), there were 475 fatalities, 2,675 serious injuries and 43,319 minor injuries recorded in Portugal.
Most of the fatalities, minor and serious injuries were recorded on the mainland. The districts of Beja, Leiria, Coimbra and Braga were those that recorded the highest variations in terms of serious accidents, with more fatalities and serious injuries, compared to 2023. On the other hand, Vila Real, Castelo Branco and Viana do Castelo showed the most significant decreases. The causes of accidents remain drink driving, excessive speed and use of mobile phones. Most of these accidents could be avoided if drivers acted more responsibly. A good topic for a “New Year’s Resolution”!
Finally we bid farewell to Richard Marques, Civil Protection Sub-Regional Commander for the Algarve, who with effect from 1st January has transferred as the new President of the Madeira Regional Civil Protection Service, IP-RAM and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Regional Civil Protection Service of the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Richard Marques has done an outstanding job both as Civil Protection Commander Portimão and subsequently Faro District Operational Commander. Dealing with some of the major fires in the Algarve. An outstand leader who will be missed, but is the perfect choice for his new position in Madeira. Safe Communities wishes him all the best and for all his support to our association.
Our team at Safe Communities Portugal wish you a Very Happy and Peaceful New year.
News
Bird flu: Chickens on farms in Sintra “died or were slaughtered”, guarantees DGAV
The spread of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, continues to raise concerns among governments and the agricultural industry after devastating flocks around the world in recent years, disrupting supplies, increasing prices and increasing the risk of human transmission.
And the most recent, according to data provided by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) to the Reuters agency, was detected in the Lisbon region.
“The H5N1 virus was detected in a flock of 55,427 poultry in the village of São João das Lampas, in the district of Lisbon, causing the death of 279 birds”, reveals the organization.
The number of chickens that died from the disease or were slaughtered following confirmation of the outbreak amounts to 55,000, which corresponds to the total number of animals on that farm.
All the egg laying hens that were part of the farm in Sintra, Lisbon, where bird flu was detected, died or were slaughtered, according to data from the General Directorate of Food and Veterinary Affairs (DGAV).
On Monday, the DGAV announced that bird flu had been detected on a farm in Sintra, and control measures were applied, including inspection of the location where the disease was detected, slaughter of infected animals and cleaning of the facilities.
According to data published by DGAV, the number of chickens that died from the disease or were slaughtered following confirmation of the outbreak amounts to 55,427, which corresponds to the total number of animals on that farm.
Restrictions on movement have also been imposed and farms with birds in restricted areas (within a radius of 10 kilometres around the outbreak) are being monitored.
DGAV also asked all operators to report any suspected cases of the disease, stressing that early detection of outbreaks “is essential for the rapid implementation of control measures”.
On the same day that the case was confirmed in Sintra, the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) clarified that, to date, no people with symptoms or signs suggestive of infection by this virus (H5N1) had been identified.
Transmission of the virus to humans is rare, with sporadic cases reported worldwide. However, when it occurs, the infection can lead to a serious clinical condition. Transmission occurs mainly through contact with infected animals or with tissues, feathers, excrement or inhalation of viruses through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.
The slaughter took place on Monday and Tuesday.