Under the Wave of Kanagawa, illustration by Katsushika Hokusai, 1823
Mainland Portugal, especially the Algarve coast and the west coast up to Peniche, is exposed to the risk of rare but potentially devastating strong earthquakes and tsunamis. Preparation does not prevent the phenomenon, but it can make a difference.
We recently reported on ZAP that UNESCO considers that, in the coming decades, there is “a chance” that a tsunami with at least one meter in Mediterranean.
The UNESCO warning does not only concern regions such as the Pacific: the current international tsunami monitoring system also includes the Northeast Atlantic, the Mediterranean and related seas, an area in which Portugal is integrated.
In October, in statements to Lusa, Rachid Omiraspecialist in tsunamis and earthquakes at the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), left a disturbing note: “I cannot say that the risk of tsunami in Portugal is low. The danger is low, due to the tectonics of the area.”
The Portuguese risk is known. THE earthquake of November 1, 1755 destroyed a large part of Lisbon and affected the coast of the Algarve and Setúbal. It was followed by a tsunami and fires, making it one of the greatest catastrophes in European history.
Can an event of such proportions happen again in our country? As the then Secretary of State for Civil Protection said in 2020, Patricia Gaspar“”.
is the entity responsible for monitoring seismic activity in Portugal and for the technical operation of the tsunami warning system, in conjunction with international partners and civil protection authorities.
To this end, it has seismological stations, tide gauges and a permanent operational center. The Portuguese tsunami warning system center was opened in 2017, at IPMA, integrating Portugal into the international early warning network.
Google technology that turns cell phones into “mini-seismometers” can also help us in the event of a natural catastrophe — as happened on Wednesday, after what hit Venezuela: thousands of smartphones issued an emergency alert seconds before the earth started to shake.
But no system replaces individual preparation.
What to do in the event of an earthquake
During a strong earthquake, Civil Protection recommendations can be summarized in a simple sentence: get down, take cover and wait.
Anyone inside a building must get down, protect the head and the neck, and take shelter under a table resistant or close to a safe indoor area, away from windows, mirrorslamps, tall furniture and objects that could fall.
You shouldn’t run to the stairs not use elevators.
If you are on the street, you should look for an open area, away from buildings, electrical poles, walls, trees and unstable structures.
If you are driving, you must stop safelyin a location away from bridges, tunnels, trees, posts or facades, and remain inside the vehicle until the shaking ends.
After the earthquake, It is important to have replicas. Do not light matches, lighters or candles, nor turn on switches, as these there may be gas leaks. If it is safe to do so, you should cut off the gaselectricity and water.
It is also advisable wear sturdy shoes, avoid broken glasselectrical cables and damaged buildings, and only follow official information from the authorities.
How to recognize a tsunami — and what to do
The risk of tsunami requires a different answer. If the earthquake is strong or prolonged and the person is by the sea, in riverside areas or in low-lying areas of the coast, must move away as soon as the shaking ends. You should not wait to see the sea or try to visually confirm the arrival of the wave.
Os natural signs also count: Sudden retreat of the sea, abnormal rise of water or unusual noise coming from the ocean may indicate danger. In these cases, the indication is move quickly to higher areasto the interior or to meeting points marked by the authorities.
Evacuation should be carried out whenever possible on foot, avoiding cars that may block narrow roads or emergency routes.
A tsunami is not a single wave. It can last hours, and the first wave may not be the biggest. Therefore, you should never return to the beachthe coast, the port or the riverside area before the authorities declare the end of the alert. If there are sirens, SMS messages, Civil Protection instructions or evacuation signs, they must be followed without hesitation.
Prevention starts before the emergency. Have a family plan, know where the meeting points are, know escape routes and prepare a small . In a country where seismic risk cannot be ignored, The first line of protection is knowing what to do before it is needed.
