Yesterday, 15th December, the Portuguese National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) presented the Protection and Relief Joint Operations Instrument at Torre (Serra da Estrela), an instrument that will act in response to emergency situations along the mountain range (Maciço Central).

Due to its unique characteristics, Serra da Estrela is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions in Continental Portugal, attracting thousands of people every year, especially during the winter.

Taking into account this influx of visitors, ANEPC plans and operates a specific joint instrument, every year, that ensures an efficient and effective response in terms of protection and relief, working under the guidance of National Operations Plan for Serra da Estrela (Plano de Operações Nacional da Serra da Estrela - PONSE).

This instrument includes the Fire Departments of Covilhã, Seia, Manteigas, Gouveia, Loriga and São Romão, the Mountain Rescue Group, ANEPC’s Civil Protection Special Force (FEPC), the National Republican Guard’s Protection and Relief Emergency Unit (UEPS), the National Institute of Medical Emergency, and other forces and means qualified to undertake protection and relief missions made available by bodies with a special duty to collaborate.

The instrument will operate between December and April, counting on 18 operatives every day during the week, and 32 at the weekend when there is a higher influx of visitors.

The presentation session was attended by the Secretary of State for Civil Protection, Patrícia Gaspar, the President of ANEPC, Duarte da Costa, the National Commander for Civil Protection and Emergency, André Fernandes, and other representatives of different bodies that are part of the national civil protection system and, therefore, of this Instrument.

The Sub-regional Commander for Civil Protection and Emergency of the Beiras and Serra da Estrela region, António Fonseca, conducted the presentation.