Portugal enhances emergency communications and disaster response

The Municipality of Espinho and the Portuguese government are implementing measures to strengthen emergency response capabilities following severe storms that caused isolation and infrastructure failure earlier this year.

Espinho is acquiring a range of equipment, including electric generators, Starlink satellite terminals, a new satellite phone, and radio terminals for lifeguards to improve beach safety communications. The municipality is also investing in flood response equipment, such as sewage pumps, and increasing emergency accommodation capacity with new beds and mattresses.

At the national level, Minister of Territorial Cohesion Manuel Castro Almeida announced that SIRESP phones will soon be distributed to parishes. A tender for satellite phones is currently under review by the Court of Auditors, with the goal of having Starlink services available by December 31 if approved. However, a public tender for generators failed to attract bidders and must be repeated.