Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 5^th July 2023

Good morning, We start with the good news which is that on Saturday we entered the maximum operational readiness period for rural fires namely the availability of 13,891 operatives (+974 compared to 2022); 2990 vehicles (+157 compared to 2022) and 67 aircraft (+7 compared to 2022).

This of course is very welcome news and represents an increase in operatives of 42% compared to 2017. However this is not the answer: the solution lies in prevention which is now where increasing amount of financial resources are being spent. If we can reduce the number of ignitions and the impact, then this would be a far more effective way in how we manage and prepare for disasters.

The fact that there are more resources to fight fires is important as fires are burning with more intensity which means if they get hold they can well spread faster and quicker. The result of this is that the perimeter of the fire increases and hence it become more difficult using more operatives to extinguish. Overnight fires are a problem as firefighting aircraft cannot be used.

It is good to see therefore  a “very muscular” response to fires in some cases over 100 operative being deployed within 45 minutes with as many of 5-6 aircraft and at the peak of fires many more. This very fast deployment appears to be achieving results with the majority of fires being brought under a conclusion during the initial attack stage i.e. 90 minutes – congratulations to all concerned.

Related to this it was reported yesterday that the Earth has just experienced the hottest day we have ever seen.

The average global air temperature recorded 2 metres above Earth’s surface was over 17°C (62.6°F) on 3 July, the highest that has ever been recorded. The temperature recorded 2 metres above Earth’s surface hit 17.01°C (62.62°F) on 3 July, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the US and compiled by the University of Maine.

This may not seem very high but it is an average with some places much higher say in North Africa and some much lower for example the Antarctic. The spike in temperatures is likely to have been driven by recent heatwaves across the US, Europe and Canada, and accelerating El Niño conditions, which sees sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean rise above average.

In any event we are certainly feeling the effects already here in Portugal. So keep cool and well hydrated.

Turning to drought it was announced yesterday that the amount of water stored fell in June 2023 in eight river basins and rose in four compared to the previous month, according to data from the National Water Resources Information System (SNIRH), referring to the state of 12 basins. Of the 57 monitored reservoirs – (each hydrographic basin can correspond to more than one reservoir) – 23 have water availability greater than 80% of the total volume and ten have availability below 40%. This is likely to worse later this month.

Our team wishes our hard working volunteer Susan Wright who posts the weekly reports on our website and looks after the SCP North and Central Facebook page, a very happy birthday. Thanks for publishing this on your Birthday Susan.

We wish everyone a great week ahead.

News:

GNR Operation “Golden Clam”

Yesterday evening it was reported that a GNR “Mega-operation” is taking place. Ten people have already been arrested and hundreds of military personnel are on site in a multidisciplinary operation with the Tax Authority (AT).

A GNR ‘Mega-operation’ called ‘Golden Clam’ is taking place this Tuesday in Setúbal, where 82 search and seizure warrants were carried out, 19 house searches and 63 non-domestic searches.

According to the person in charge of operations, Lieutenant-Colonel Adérito Rodrigues, contacted by SAPO24, there are at least ten detainees, involving suspicions of qualified tax fraud that could have harmed the State by several million euros, related to the collection and illegal sale of bivalves.

The person in charge confirms that this is a multidisciplinary operation that has been running for about a year and a half with the collaboration of the Montijo Research Center and the Tax Authority (AT).

So far, around 3 tonnes of bivalves have been seized in the councils of Alcochete, Montijo, Almada, Seixal and Sesimbra. Material used to catch these animals was also apprehended, as well as several vehicles.

According to the GNR, it is possible that the number of tons will increase throughout today.

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 28^th June 2023

Yesterday I was discussing with an environment engineer the issue of rural fire preparedness under the context of climate change adaptation, my view being that there were short term measures and those that would take far longer to implement, and achieve the desired outcome. As far as the latter is concerned the issue of re-forestation was in my mind.

Coincidentally the Prime Minister warned yesterday that the structural reform of the forest is a “challenge for decades”, calling for time not to be wasted and defending that “everything that is done is a little step” to mitigate the risk of fire.

António Costa stressed that, “every year, the risk of fires increases with climate change”.

The Prime Minister referred that, if humanity manages to reach the targets set in the Paris Agreement – to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees until the end of the century -, the risk of forest fires in Portugal will, even so, increase six times.

For António Costa, “this is not a challenge that can be overcome this year, next year, it is a challenge for decades for the country to be able to structurally transform this forest”. “Now, when we say, ‘the challenge is for decades’, are we going to leave it for tomorrow? No, we have to accelerate today, because the more we do today, the faster we complete what can only be achieved at the end of the decade”, she stressed.

Costa said that if the structural transformation of the forest only starts in the 2030s, it will only be completed “by 2060”. “If we start now, we will start to have results in 2030, and we will have more results in 2040. Therefore, we cannot waste time”, he stressed.

The prime minister also added that “it is very important to have the means to fight fires”, but “it is much more important to prevent the risk of fire”.

To Safe Communities participation in the International wildfire Conference in May it was very clear that the focus is very much on preparedness which has indeed been our focus for some time. It is for example essential that everyone is aware if the rural fire risk, how the weather determines some aspects of the risk and what actions, we as individual can do to reduce the risk and impact such fires have on our environment and community.

Aware of the risks Safe Communities is stepping up our own actions in terms of building our own knowledge and enhancing our communications strategy in order to deliver more focused interaction with various communities. More of this shortly.

Over the last few days Portugal has begun to be affected by the smoke from the Canadian fires carry very fine particles. This is mainly at an altitude of over 1000 metres above ground so should not affect people’s health. This is confirmed by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) “clarified” yesterday that particle levels in mainland Portugal and the Azores “do not yet show” the influence, on the surface, of the cloud of smoke generated by the fires in Canada.  APA described Portugal mainland quality as “good” and the Azores as “very good”. We are monitoring this closely and if there is any worsening of the situation, we will let you know.

You may recall that in the fire in Odemira in 2021, large plumes of smoke travelled some 150 kilometres along the Algarve coast – in the case of Canada it is several thousand kilometres – giving an indicator of how intense and widespread these fire are. Again this sends a signal of the effects of climate change and as the planet becomes hotter such fires will become more common including in countries that have not experienced these “mega-fires” before.

Turning to crime prevention, with tourism increasing we would like to remind people of the importance of looking after your belongings. Please ensure you do not leave valuable items on display in cars and also ensure your home is secure when you go out. Portugal is generally a safe place, but there are criminals who look for opportunities to commit crime around. Let’s make it more difficult through adopting basic common sense precautions

Our team at Safe Communities, Susan, Antonia, Fernanda, Mike, Chris, Daniel and myself wish you a safe week ahead.

NEWS

Effects of fires in Canada still without influence on the mainland and Azores

The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) clarified today that particle levels in mainland Portugal and the Azores “do not yet show” the influence, on the surface, of the cloud of smoke generated by the fires in Canada.

In a clarification, the APA refers that the levels of particles measured against the air quality index classes remain at ‘Good’ and ‘Very Good’ in mainland Portugal and the Azores.

On Monday, the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) indicated that the cloud of smoke particles from the fires in Canada had been affecting the Azores islands since Sunday, and should then extend to the mainland.

According to the IPMA, the concentrations of these pollutants are below established legal limits and, therefore, should not represent any threat to human health.

The APA explains today that it monitors, through the ‘QualAr’ system, the data measured continuously at all stations in the country, in almost real time.

“According to the data measured at the various stations in mainland Portugal and the Azores, there are, as of today, levels of particles that do not yet show the influence, at surface level, of the cloud of smoke from the fires in Canada, maintaining the order of magnitude of the levels measured within the ‘Good’ and ‘Very Good’ air quality index classes”, states that agency.

The APA also mentions that, in the archipelago of Madeira, an episode of transport of particles and natural dust has been taking place since Monday, originating in arid regions of the deserts of North Africa, which continues today, however, “the measured levels did not exceed the limit value for the protection of human health and do not represent any problem for the health of the population”.

73-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of introducing drugs in Porto prisons

The suspect was found committing the crime at the Santa Cruz do Bispo Prison, in Matosinhos. Another woman was also detained, this time at the Paços de Ferreira Prison, under identical circumstances.

The Judicial Police (PJ) detained two women suspected of introducing drugs into two prisons in the district of Porto, through the delivery of narcotics to inmates during the visiting period, it was announced this Tuesday.

In a statement, the PJ states that it detained a 73-year-old woman when she was detected delivering “a small amount of cocaine” to an inmate at the Santa Cruz do Bispo Prison, in Matosinhos, during the visiting period.

The detainee, suspected of committing an aggravated crime of drug trafficking, will now be present for the first interrogation for the application of coercive measures deemed appropriate.

The PJ adds that, recently, another woman was arrested, this time in the Prison of Paços de Ferreira, under identical circumstances.

The detainee, who on Monday saw preventive detention applied to her as a coercive measure, “managed to hand over to an inmate, her son, several drugs”, namely about 40 grams of heroin, 25 grams of hashish and a product suspected to be synthetic cannabinoids.

“The variety and quantity of the products in question indicate that they were intended for later sale inside the prison”, says the PJ.

In both cases, the PJ had the collaboration of the Prison Guard corps of the General Directorate of Reinsertion and Prison Services. 

Chega has been a common vector for more radical far-right movements – Report

Newsroom, Jun 27, 2023 (Lusa) – A US report considers that Chega has been a common vector for “more radical movements of the Portuguese extreme right”, comparing the party to groups such as the ‘Proud Boys’ or the ‘Hammerskins ‘.

The report, prepared by the Global Project against Hate and Extremism (GPAHE), from the United States, identifies 13 “hate and extremist groups” in Portugal, including Chega and Ergue-te, but also neo-Nazi and white supremacist movements such as the ‘Portugal Hammerskins’ or the ‘Proud Boys Portugal’.

In this universe, Chega is the one who dominates “increasingly” the Portuguese extreme right, indicates the report, which stresses that the party has “worked to poison the national discourse with racist, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-immigration and anti-gypsy rhetoric”.

“Chega, which superficially resembles typical far-right populist parties across Europe, is also the common vector for more radical movements on the Portuguese far right, including nationalists, identitarians, conspiracists, white supremacists, Salazar nostalgics, Christian nationalists and others who support authoritarianism,” it reads.

The report states that, during the pandemic, “extreme right-wing conspiracy and anti-government movements” flourished in Portugal which, with the end of the health crisis, are passing into the orbit of parties such as Chega and Ergue-te.

It is added that, over the years, Chega “had among its ranks many white supremacists, identity and neo-Nazis”.

In this context, the report considers that the rise of the party led by André Ventura “was accompanied by a significant increase in hate speech and street mobilization by the extreme right”, citing a memo from the Commissioner of the Council of Europe for Human Rights that indicates that there is an “alarmingly high” level of violence against women in Portugal, as well as an increase in “racially motivated hate crimes”.

The report also points out that there is an ongoing “trend of internationalization” in the Portuguese extreme right, with the reproduction of popular conspiracy theories in foreign movements of the radical right.

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 21^ST June 2023

Good morning – A new report on drought in the western Mediterranean reveals the extent of the water shortage hitting the region. The severe drought is reducing soil moisture and river flows, and stunting plants and crops during their crucial growing season.

Although in the north of Portugal there has been a moderate amount of rain very little has been experienced in the south this year so far. A new report by the Copernicus Global Drought Observatory makes sombre reading.

It states that most of the western Mediterranean is now under warning and alert conditions (the two most severe levels) according to the combined drought indicator, which integrates data on rainfall, soil moisture and vegetation stress anomalies to map drought hazards.

The lack of water has significantly affected vegetation and crops in the middle of the growing season, leading to delayed sowing and low yield forecasts. Severe vegetation stress (for example failed crops and smaller fruits) was recorded across the Iberian Peninsula (except for northern Portugal), northern Africa, and central-southern France.

It adds, based on the present drought situation and predictions, that if widespread warmer-than-averages temperatures and the lack of rain continue, the situation could become more critical still.

The JRC scientists also note that next summer currently has a high risk of water resources reaching a critical state, making it important to closely monitor the situation and plan and implement water management and drought adaptation measures in the region.

In other words if the situation in the south of Portugal continues then we could well see more restrictions in place. It would be speculation to suggest what these maybe beyond that already announced, but it is known that some “private householder boreholes” have dried up meaning that householders need to seek alternative water supplies. For those in rural areas often this means purchasing water, delivered by water trucks – but where do they get their water from – answer often boreholes!!

This illustrates the importance of firstly conserving water; having extensive lawns with irrigation systems is something that is not conducive to the economic use of water! For those moving to Portugal, how many people consider water supply? Unless you are going to live in a town, for those choosing rural areas without a direct water supply, then in our view it is best not to take it for granted that a constant water supply will always be available to a level that may fit your needs, This especially so if you wish to have a swimming pool, irrigation etc.  Something to think about – but more importantly plan for!

With the summer season upon us and with the recently announced Safe Summer reinforcement measures in place by the security forces (15^th June to 15^th September), it is important, that we do not let our guard down concerning the safeguarding of our property. Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, with a relatively low “reported” crime level, but this has not come about by accident. This because of the crime prevention programs in place both by the police and organisations such as Safe Communities, which help create public awareness and a reminder to look after your possessions.

Speaking with police here is Lisbon and the Algarve recently, it was clear that opportunist crime and theft from vehicles are two of the highest crimes, but are easiest to prevent. If people left vehicles on display in vehicles and their windows opened in their houses when unoccupied, we would quickly end up with a spiralling level of crime, which would deter investors moving here as well as tourists.

With that our Editorial team: Susan, Mike, Chris, Daniel and I wish you a safe week ahead. Take care with the increasing temperatures.

News

Ceremony honouring the victims takes place on the 27th at the memorial in Pedrógão Grande

Porto de Mós, Leiria, 20 June 2023 (Lusa) – The tribute ceremony for the victims of the 2017 fires will take place on the 27th, at 5:00 pm, next to the memorial in Pedrógão Grande, the president of the Intermunicipal Community of the Region of Leiria (CIMRL).

“It is not exactly an inauguration, because the monument is already open. It will be a ceremony to visit the space and where tribute will be paid to the victims of the 2017 fires”, said Gonçalo Lopes, also mayor of Leiria, in Porto de Mós, where a meeting of intermunicipal communities is taking place today.

According to the president of CIMRL, the initiative will be attended by members of the Government, such as the Prime Minister, António Costa, and the Minister of Territorial Cohesion, Ana Abrunhosa, mayors of the affected regions, the Association of Victims of the Fire of Pedrógão Grande, other entities linked to the social and associative area of ​​these councils, the author of the memorial, architect Souto Moura, and population.

The Memorial to the Victims of the 2017 Forest Fires, located next to National Road 236-1, in the Pobrais area, Pedrógão Grande, was opened on Thursday without any public ceremony honouring the victims of the June and October 2017 forest fires. The absence of state figures provoked criticism from various quarters.

Designed by the architect Souto Moura, the memorial, an investment of 1.8 million euros, includes a lake with an area of ​​around 2,500 square meters, fed by a gargoyle 60 meters long, bordered by a strip of plants consisting of white water lilies, lilies and buttercups.

According to Infraestruturas de Portugal, owner of the work, “the memorial also includes, as a fundamental piece, a wall with the inscription of the name of each of the 115 people who were victims of the forest fires of June and October 2017”.

Gonçalo Lopes said that the CIMRL is “finalizing a protocol with Infraestruturas de Portugal”, according to which that first entity will be “responsible for maintaining the monument”.

“Naturally, we are thus also involved in this important moment in which we now have increased responsibility in management”, he declared.

ChatGPT technology will manage 112 service in 2025

The project, which is still at an early stage, is based on technology that is still “very recent”, warns António Pombeiro. For this reason, there is a “need to do a lot of testing”, following a path that is “very unknown”.

Artificial intelligence based on ChatGPT technology will manage calls to 112 from 2025 onwards in times of congestion, the Deputy Secretary General of Internal Affairs, António Pombeiro, told journalists in Porto this Tuesday.

“In principle, if the pilot goes well, we are prepared for, from 2025, to start using” the system to answer calls, António Pombeiro told journalists this Tuesday, on the side lines of MAI Tech, a technology conference in the areas of security and civil protection, promoted by the Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI) in Porto.

The official warned that, for the time being, a pilot project was being worked on and it was “a very recent technology “, with the “need to carry out many tests “, admitting that for the time being “a lot of unknowns” were being examined.

“In certain situations we have waiting periods motivated by call congestion, this is when there are incidents or events that involve a lot of publicity, a lot of people visualizing what is happening, everyone has the initiative to call 112”, contextualized the António Pombeiro, giving the example of urban fires.

As the resources are ” sized for normal situations “, generating waiting times for calls that ” can reach five or six minutes “, the idea is ” to create a first interface that answers the call, evaluates what kind of problem it is whether you are dealing with and what kind of reporting ” is needed, but with ” a natural language response”.

According to the Deputy General Secretary for Home Affairs, ” the caller himself will not realize that he is talking to a system, a machine, a robot “, which will ” use the new ChatGPT technology “, which will still go through a testing period with simulated calls.

“The second player must always be a human. The system never takes the call to the end”, assured António Pombeiro, clarifying that the system will work “only in times of greater congestion”.

Asked whether the idea is to replace people, the Deputy Secretary General of Internal Affairs rejected it, saying that it involves “strengthening operational means “, since it is always necessary to have a human in the rear.

As for false calls (to deceive or for purposes other than emergencies), which he said were around 60%, “a very high number” that does not affect service, the person in charge said that this situation “already lacks a different learning “, but “it is also an objective”of the new project.