Portugal's Earthquake Alert: Are We Prepared for Future Tremors?

Portugal Shaken by Earthquake

This week, Portugal experienced a 5.3 magnitude earthquake, marking the tenth largest tremor since the sixteenth century. Thankfully, there were no injuries or material damages, but the quake was accompanied by nine aftershocks.

Mónica Amaral Ferreira, a researcher at the Instituto Superior Técnico, emphasized that "we will certainly experience more earthquakes in the future, with varying magnitudes". She highlighted the ongoing seismic risk in relation to the future airport's location, noting that "nothing has changed" in terms of risk assessment.

Mitigating Seismic Risks

Ferreira stated that while we cannot eliminate the seismic risk, appropriate building rehabilitation interventions can help mitigate it. She called for stronger regulations and increased oversight on structural safety during renovations, warning that improper modifications can weaken buildings and jeopardize safety.

In light of the current regulations, Ferreira pointed out that new buildings are designed to avoid collapse, ensuring occupants can exit safely during an earthquake. However, older structures, particularly those built before the 1990s, may present a higher seismic risk due to outdated safety protocols.

The Need for Preparedness in Critical Infrastructure

Ferreira stressed that non-residential buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and fire stations, must not only be designed to withstand earthquakes but also remain operational immediately after seismic events. She urged political leaders to establish strategies for assessing and mitigating risks for these vital structures.

Fernando Carrilho, head of the Geophysics Division at the Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera, echoed the need for awareness regarding the seismic risks in Portugal, particularly concerning older buildings that may not withstand future quakes.

Strategic Planning for Vulnerable Areas

Ferreira further warned about the importance of land management in high-risk areas, advising against constructing critical infrastructure in soft soil zones that could amplify seismic effects or near flood-prone areas. She emphasized that disaster management is a dynamic process requiring a holistic analysis of interdependencies among infrastructures.

Alcochete Airport Concerns

The planned Lisbon airport site in Alcochete falls within areas of moderate seismic hazard according to Eurocode 8 regulations. Ferreira explained that the seismic risk remains unchanged, unless structural reinforcements are made. While the challenges posed by local terrain conditions can be addressed technically, they may lead to increased construction costs.

Acácio Pires from Zero noted that the seismic risk in Alcochete is higher than in other areas, yet manageable. He reiterated that despite the risks, they can be effectively addressed through careful planning and engineering.