Many Portuguese did not receive any civil protection message to appeal to calm and with basic recommendations on how they should act before the blackout. SMS sent only arrived after the return of electricity – and only to some people.
Once again, the (integrated system of Portugal emergency and security networks) failed, as has happened in several other crisis situations in the country, such as during the.
This time, SMS sent by the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (Anepc) Appeal to the “serenity of all” During what he felt across the country, this Monday, May 28, and to guarantee “the essential services and the normalization of the situation in the next few hours”, did not reach the recipients at the right time.
Many people did not receive the “Prociv” warning signed by Anepc in their mobile phones and announced that the “Energy connection” was being “gradual”.
There are those who have received the message after the return of electricityaround 10 pm, at night, ie “11 hours later” of the blackout and when it was “all normalized”, as was the case of the user of social network X, the former Twitter, Gonçalo Cruz.
“I received absolutely nothing from civil protection. I questioned myself several times why they did not have made any contact to the population, ”he laments, in turn, the use of X Catarina Costa.
Already the user Filipa with “i” considers that “a Civil protection could not do more“. The“ 112 worked ”, there were“ free transport to ensure quick and safe return the house ”and“complex situations have been ensured In order not to overload phone calls, ”he also underlines at X.
11 hours later the first communication of civil protection received. When everything is normalized in the area.
Congratulations to all involved, 10/10 crisis management planning.
– Gonçalo Cruz, Does Ideological Parkour (@goncalopcruz)
SIRESP “didn’t work as it should”
The Minister of Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, reveals in statements that “the message of civil protection was Submitted in the middle of the afternoon“But recognizes that” many Portuguese “only received it” later “because” the communication networks were down. “
Leitão Amaro explains that “There was a sequence of planned messages“To be sent, already fearing communications problems.” We tested the first to predict how the system was and we immediately realized that they would probably not all arrive, “he says.
Thus, no further message from civil protection was sent by SMS “to Do not congest the system anymore“The minister also says.
Leitão Amaro defends the government’s action during the blackout, noting that “all means were used”, but recognizes that “There is an improvement here”.
Also because the (integrated system of emergency and security networks of Portugal) “It didn’t work as it should”assume.
“We have been talking about Siresp for decades”
SIRESP “already needed an analysis and Need an evaluation Because it was one of the systems that did not work as it should, ”says Leitão Amaro regarding the Portuguese State Exclusive Communications Network for the Command, Control and Coordination of Communications in Emergency Situations and Safety.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Miguel Pinto Luz, also recognizes that “Siresp did not work 100%And that “had flaws”, according to statements to.
“Once again. We have been talking about SIRESP and SIRESP for decades had“, Pinto Luz reinforces, noting that“ we have to take lessons ”.
O SIRESP It should be a resilient communications network During emergencies to allow coordination between different entities, such as security forces, firefighters and medical services, to ensure a rapid and effective response at critical times.
However, this system has faced significant failures When telecommunications networks are not operational, as occurred during the blackout on Monday.
Government priority was the radio
The government’s “priority” in terms of communications was the radio because it was the means that gave best guarantees of reaching people If there is no electricity, it also highlights Leitão Amaro.
“30 and a few minutes after the interruption [de energia], I was talking to several radios and then to several televisionsexplaining what was going on, ”says the minister.
The government also resorted to its social media to “issue information and updates about what was happening,” he adds, considering that it is “Deeply unfair” criticize the executive’s communication during the blackout.
Because in the end, “in terms of civil protection and security, There were no relevant incidents During the night because there was guidance from the government to strengthen the streets, ”concludes Leitão Amaro that and praises the “Monumental Effort” Of all who were involved in repairing the energy network, the organization in hospitals and other public services.
But the minister also highlights “Extraordinary collective response” of the Portuguese in general.
