Next Tuesday, a simulated setting where an earthquake causes the collapse of structures and a 'tsunami', affecting Portimão and Silves, will test the readiness of the Algarve's Civil Protection.
The PROCIVALG_24.2 exercise will involve 33 entities and 365 operational personnel, with the aim of training the Civil Protection response in the region for natural disasters, regarding search, assistance and rescue intervention of the Special Emergency Plan for Seismic and Tsunami Risk in the Algarve (PEERST-ALG).
The various agents that make up the Civil Protection will act in the scenario of an earthquake that occurred at 11:05, with a magnitude of 8.7 on the Richter scale, with its epicentre in the Gorringe Bank fault, a submerged mountain range located around 120 nautical miles west-southwest of Cape St Vincent.
The fictitious earthquake “causes multiple occurrences in the municipalities of Portimão and Silves, where search and rescue in collapsed structures, water rescue and underwater searches will be tested”, reads a statement from the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC).
The response, the note adds, will also be tested in fire-fighting, intervention in environments contaminated by hazardous materials, freeing people and animals and shoring up structures.
According to ANEPC, the exercise will take place in a “livex” scenario, with the real mobilisation of material and human resources, “with the aim of promoting the operational training of agents, organisations and support entities”.
“At the same time, procedures will be carried out within the scope of primary evacuation, triage and operation of an Advanced Medical Post, as well as the installation of a Population Concentration and Support Zone”, says Civil Protection.
In the context of the 'tsunami' exercise, the warning sirens installed in Praia de Rocha and in the riverside area of Portimão will be activated, a warning system for the population and a pilot project in the region, promoting the evacuation of risk areas with people being directed to safe places, through the implemented signage.
Operations will be directed from an operational command post installed next to the Silves court, which brings together coordination, command, control and communications capabilities in conjunction with municipal authorities.
According to ANEPC, the simulated occurrences “aim to provide a context that allows the development of expected actions following the activation of PEERST-ALG, in the event of a high-magnitude earthquake” in the Algarve region.
In addition to ANEPC, the simulation involves the municipalities of Portimão and Silves, the Southern Maritime Department of the National Maritime Authority, the District Social Security Center, fire brigades, the Portuguese Red Cross, the Territorial Command and the GNR Emergency Protection and Relief Unit.
Also participating are the regional delegation of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), the parish councils of the participating municipalities, the district command of the PSP, municipal Civil Protection services of the region and the Local Health Unit (ULS) of the Algarve.
Source National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC)
