Lisbon Increases Precautions Against Tsunami: New Sirens Arrive on the Coastline

While living in Lisbon or walking along the city's riverside, our eyes inevitably fall on the Tagus River, which opens into the ocean. As much as the beauty of the city, the memories of earthquakes and tsunamis from the past are always in the back of our minds here. In order not to leave this risk to chance, Lisbon Municipality is strengthening the tsunami warning and alarm network along the coastline with two new points.

Where Are New Sirens Installed?

Focusing on the critical points where water can reach first in case of a possible emergency, the municipality has identified two new stations:

Misericórdia Area: The siren to be placed in Jardim Sá da Bandeira will cover this area close to the river bank.

Santa Apolónia / Santa Maria Maior: The second station, which will be built next to the Lactário Museum near Estação Ferroviária de Santa Apolónia, will directly appeal to the residents of São Vicente and the crowd around the train station.

Mayor Carlos Moedas stated that they are increasing their civil defense investments step by step and emphasizes that such preparations are a vital assurance for the future of the city.

Alarm Network Reached 6 Points in Lisbon

With these new points, which came into operation after technical and acoustic measurements and comprehensive drills held in March, the number of warning stations in the city increased to six. Places currently under active coverage:

Belém (Praça do Império

Alcântara (Passeio Carlos do Carmo)

Estrela (Doca de Alcântara / Santo Amaro)

Misericórdia (Jardim Sá da Bandeira)

Santa Maria Maior (Santa Apolonia Station

Castelo/Baixa line (Miradouro do Chão do Loureiro

The goal is to increase the total number of sirens along the shore to 10, leaving no blind spots on the river line.

30 Minutes of Life-Saving Time

The most crucial feature of the system is that it activates exactly 30 minutes before a possible tsunami wave hits the shore. This half-hour allowance provides ample time to evacuate by calmly walking to safe and elevated assembly areas directed by signs on the streets.

Source: Bruno G. Santos

Photo: Envato Elements / Mint_Images