“A Terra Treme”, an earthquake risk awareness exercise, will take place on Friday, November 15 at 11.15am throughout the country.
This is a national exercise organised by the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), which involves the community for the purpose of creating awareness of the earthquake risk here in Portugal and, importantly, inform about simple measures people can take in case an earthquake strikes which may save lives.
In 2018, around 700,000 people participated in the exercise, including schools, businesses and individuals.
This year, Safe Communities Portugal, ANEPC Faro District and Loulé Municipal Civil Protection will be at Mar Shopping Algarve in Loulé, from 9.30am to 1pm, with a stand providing information in Portuguese and English on preparation and self-protection for earthquakes.
Several regions of Portugal are particularly vulnerable to earthquakes, such as Greater Lisbon and the Algarve.
According to historical records, most of the earthquakes affecting Portugal (mainland) have an epicentre southwest of the Iberian Peninsula (Gorringe Bank) or in the Lower Tagus Valley. The most vulnerable areas are the Lisbon urban area and Algarve south. Major earthquakes occurred in 1531, 1755, 1909 and 1969.
Everyone is thus encouraged to participate in some way. It only takes one minute to practise the self-protection measure: “Drop, Cover, Hold-on”
Details of the exercise and how to register can be found on www.aterratreme.pt, which has a link to the Safe Communities Portugal website where information can be found in English.
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