The PROCIVALG_24.2 exercise will involve 33 entities and 365 operational personnel, with the objective of training the Civil Protection response in the region to natural disasters, within the scope of the search, relief and rescue intervention of the Special Emergency Plan for Seismic and Algarve Tsunamis (PEERST-ALG).

The various agents that make up the Civil Protection will act in the scenario of an earthquake that occurred at 11:05 am, with a magnitude of 8.7 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter on the fault of the Gorringe bank, a submerged mountain massif located about 120 nautical miles to the west- southwest of Cabo de São Vicente.

The fictitious earthquake will “cause 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, says the note, will also be tested in fighting fires, intervening in environments contaminated by dangerous materials, extricating 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 intention of promoting the operational training of agents, bodies and support entities”.

“At the same time, procedures will be carried out within the scope of primary evacuation, screening and operationalisation of an Advanced Medical Post, as well as the installation of a Population Concentration and Support Zone”, states Civil Protection.

Tsunami

In the context of the 'tsunami' exercise, the warning sirens installed in Praia de Rocha and 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 by directing people to safe locations, through 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 “intend to provide a context that allows the development of the expected actions following the activation of PEERST-ALG, in the face of the occurrence of a high magnitude earthquake” in the Algarve region.

In addition to ANEPC, the drill involves the municipalities of Portimão and Silves, the Southern Maritime department of the National Maritime Authority, the District Social Security Center, fire departments, the Portuguese Red Cross, the Territorial Command and the Emergency Unit of GNR Protection and Relief.

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 in the region and the Local Health Unit (ULS) of the Algarve.