Last updated on 31st July 2023
We (www.madeiraconsorcio.com) visited the Civil Protection Centre in Cancela (SRPC) (https://www.procivmadeira.pt/pt/)
Control 24/7
The SRPC has a survey system for hot spots, combined with meteorological data so that they can evaluate the risk conditions in any part of the island at any time. They can see at any time where every fire truck, ambulance and other service cars are so that the response time can be optimised by the SRPC team.
All emergencies are categorised into three different levels. From P3, least important to P1, emergency, and in times when the emergency services are stretched to full capacity the system ensures that those who need help urgently, get it.
The Civil Protection are not impressed with hoax calls as they must treat every call as an emergency. They are not there to give information on the weather, road traffic conditions or report your neighbour for having a BBQ, unless the BBQ is out of control.
When contacting 112 in an emergency your first point of contact will be a PSP (Public Security Police) officer, who will ascertain the situation, and then, if it is not a police matter, forward your call to the Civil Protection. Do not hang up until you are told to do so as sometimes the person you are speaking to is taking notes, checking for information and locating the nearest emergency service team. They need to talk to you, so stay on the line.
They will also speak to you slowly. This is not because they are bored with your call. They have been trained to speak slowly and clearly so that it calms you down and allows you time to think, describe what is happening clearly and your location if you are not on a known road or area. Even a large tree, or an outcrop of rocks if you are in the countryside can give them pointers to your location. Obviously, it is easier in an urban location.
Construction after 2010
The riverbeds were clad out with lots of cement – this was successful. Most of the old riverbeds had to be cemented but not only to avoid loss of water. The rivers’ flow rate was improved so that the water is never too slow to drop sediments on the way. After a storm such as “Oscar” in June, a lot of cleaning has to take place in the rivers so remove boulders, trees and other debris, then the water reposited by such a storm as “Oscar” (more than in 2010) is not a problem for the rivers. So, it seems the money (also from the EU) was well spent. André said that rivers do not need to be pretty, they need to be functional.
Global Warming
The island will get hotter and wetter, and sea levels will rise. The Civil Engineers have to plan accordingly so that the sea water does not back up in the rivers during a storm.
Coming up: water supply, the helicopter. EMIR ambulances, rescue cost
Ursula Hahn
info at madeira-weekly.com
