#expat guide

[studiolevez]

https://practicalportugal.blogspot.com/2024/09/earthquakes-in-portugal-our-experience.html

Earthquakes in Portugal - Our Experience and a Seismic History

We experienced our first earthquake in Portugal at 6:11 am on August 26, 2024. It lasted around 10 seconds and felt like a large forestry machine passing by the house. I stepped onto the balcony, thinking we might need to move the car, but was surprised to see no one outside. After checking online, we discovered it was an earthquake off the coast of Lisbon. 

The earthquake registered 5.3 on the Richter scale, with the epicenter located 58 kilometers west of Sines in the Atlantic Ocean, at a depth of 21 kilometers, according to the IPMA. The tremors were strongest in the Sines, Lisbon, and Setúbal regions, with reports on social media noting that it was felt as far as France, Spain, and Morocco.

We didn’t have any damage to the house. I was aware of the earthquake risk before moving to Portugal so had added earthquake insurance to our coverage.

Portugal is not typically known for its seismic activity compared to other regions such as Japan or California. However, the country has experienced several significant earthquakes throughout its history, some of which have had profound impacts on its development and culture.

Geological Setting

Portugal's seismic activity is primarily influenced by its position near the boundary between the Eurasian and African tectonic plates. The interaction between these plates, along with the presence of fault lines such as the Azores-Gibraltar Transform Fault, contributes to the region's earthquake risk. The most seismically active areas in Portugal are the Azores islands, due to their proximity to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and the southern mainland, particularly around Lisbon and the Algarve region.

Historical Earthquakes

The 1755 Lisbon Earthquake

1755 copper engraving of the Lisbon Earthquake

The 1755 Lisbon earthquake is arguably the most significant and devastating earthquake in Portuguese history. Occurring on November 1, 1755, this earthquake, with an estimated magnitude of 8.5 to 9.0, struck the capital city of Lisbon and had far-reaching impacts on both the city and Europe as a whole.

The earthquake's epicenter was in the Atlantic Ocean, about 200 km west-southwest of Cape St. Vincent. The initial shock was followed by a series of aftershocks and a massive tsunami, which caused widespread destruction along the coasts of Portugal, Spain, and North Africa. Fires that broke out in Lisbon after the earthquake compounded the disaster, leading to an estimated death toll of 30,000 to 50,000 people.

The Lisbon earthquake had profound social, economic, and philosophical repercussions. The widespread destruction led to a significant rebuilding effort, spearheaded by the Marquis of Pombal, who implemented modern urban planning and construction techniques to make the city more resilient to future earthquakes. Philosophically, the disaster influenced Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire and Rousseau, who debated the implications of such natural disasters on human society and the concept of divine intervention.

The 1969 Earthquake

On February 28, 1969, Portugal experienced another significant earthquake, known as the 1969 Lisbon earthquake. With a magnitude of 7.8, this earthquake struck off the southwestern coast of Portugal, near the Gorringe Bank. Although less devastating than the 1755 earthquake, the 1969 event caused substantial damage in the Algarve region and was felt throughout the country.

The earthquake resulted in the loss of several lives and caused extensive property damage, particularly in older buildings that were not constructed to withstand seismic activity. This event highlighted the ongoing seismic risks in Portugal and prompted further studies and improvements in building codes and earthquake preparedness.

The 1980 Azores Earthquake

The Azores archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean, is a seismically active region due to its proximity to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. On January 1, 1980, the Azores experienced a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2. The earthquake's epicenter was near Terceira Island, and it caused significant destruction on Terceira, São Jorge, and Graciosa islands.

The 1980 earthquake resulted in the deaths of 73 people and left thousands homeless. The destruction of buildings and infrastructure necessitated a large-scale reconstruction effort. This event underscored the vulnerability of the Azores to seismic activity and led to improved monitoring and preparedness measures in the region.

Recent Seismic Activity

In recent years, Portugal has continued to experience seismic activity, although less severe than the historical earthquakes mentioned above. For example, in January 2010, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 struck near the Madeira Islands, causing minor damage but no fatalities. Similarly, in February 2019, a magnitude 4.4 earthquake occurred in the Algarve region, reminding residents of the ongoing seismic risks.

Causes of Earthquakes in Portugal

The primary cause of earthquakes in Portugal is the tectonic activity associated with the boundary between the Eurasian and African plates. The following factors contribute to seismic activity in the region:

1. **Plate Tectonics:** The convergence and interaction between the Eurasian and African plates generate stress and deformation in the Earth's crust, leading to earthquakes. The Azores-Gibraltar Transform Fault, which runs near the Azores archipelago and towards the Mediterranean, is a significant source of seismic activity.

2. **Mid-Atlantic Ridge:** The Azores islands are situated near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a divergent boundary where the Eurasian and North American plates are moving apart. This tectonic setting results in frequent volcanic and seismic activity in the region.

3. **Fault Lines:** Numerous fault lines traverse Portugal, including the Marquês de Pombal fault and the Lower Tagus Valley fault. These faults can generate earthquakes when stress accumulates and is suddenly released along the fault planes.

Earthquake Preparedness and Mitigation

Portugal has made significant strides in improving earthquake preparedness and mitigation measures in response to its seismic history. Key efforts include:

1. Seismic Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: Portugal has established a network of seismic monitoring stations to detect and analyze earthquake activity. Early warning systems are being developed to provide timely alerts to residents and authorities, allowing for rapid response and evacuation if necessary.

2. Building Codes and Construction Standards: Following the lessons learned from past earthquakes, Portugal has implemented strict building codes and construction standards to ensure that new buildings are designed to withstand seismic forces. Retrofitting older buildings to improve their earthquake resilience is also a priority.

3. Public Awareness and Education: Public awareness campaigns and education programs aim to inform residents about earthquake risks and preparedness measures. These initiatives include guidelines on how to secure homes, create emergency plans, and conduct earthquake drills.

4. Emergency Response and Recovery Plans: Portugal has developed comprehensive emergency response and recovery plans to coordinate efforts during and after an earthquake. These plans involve government agencies, emergency services, and community organizations working together to provide immediate assistance and support long-term recovery.

Case Study: The 1755 Lisbon Earthquake

The 1755 Lisbon earthquake serves as a crucial case study in understanding the impacts of seismic events and the importance of preparedness and resilience.

Causes and Characteristics:

The 1755 earthquake occurred on All Saints' Day, a major Catholic holiday, which exacerbated its impact as many people were in churches that collapsed during the quake. The earthquake was followed by a series of aftershocks and a massive tsunami that inundated coastal areas. The fires that broke out in the aftermath caused further destruction.

Impact on Lisbon:

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, was the hardest hit. The earthquake destroyed much of the city, including nearly all of its major churches and many other buildings. The tsunami and fires compounded the devastation, leaving tens of thousands dead and many more homeless.

Reconstruction and Resilience:

The Marquis of Pombal, who led the reconstruction efforts, implemented a series of measures to rebuild Lisbon with improved resilience. These included:

1. Urban Planning: Pombal introduced modern urban planning principles, with wide streets, large squares, and uniform building heights to facilitate emergency response and reduce fire risk.

2. Building Regulations: New buildings were constructed with anti-seismic features, such as wooden frameworks known as "Pombaline cages" that provided flexibility and strength to withstand future earthquakes.

3. Economic Reforms: Pombal's economic reforms aimed to revive Lisbon's economy, including measures to support commerce, industry, and agriculture.

Philosophical and Cultural Impact:

The 1755 earthquake had a profound impact on European philosophy and culture. Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire and Rousseau used the disaster to explore themes of human suffering, divine intervention, and the role of science and reason in understanding natural phenomena. The earthquake influenced debates about the nature of God, the problem of evil, and the ability of humans to control and mitigate natural disasters.

Recent Advances in Seismology and Engineering

Advances in seismology and engineering continue to enhance Portugal's ability to prepare for and respond to earthquakes.

Seismic Hazard Assessment:

Improved seismic hazard assessment techniques, including the use of historical data, geological surveys, and probabilistic models, provide more accurate estimates of earthquake risks in different regions of Portugal. These assessments inform building codes, land-use planning, and emergency preparedness efforts.

Earthquake-Resistant Design:

Modern engineering practices focus on designing structures that can withstand seismic forces. Innovations in materials, construction techniques, and structural design enhance the earthquake resilience of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. Retrofitting older buildings to meet current seismic standards is an ongoing priority.

Early Warning Systems: 

Earthquake warning systems are advanced technologies designed to detect seismic activity and provide early alerts before the strongest shaking from an earthquake reaches populated areas. These systems are crucial for minimizing damage and saving lives by giving people and organizations precious seconds to take protective actions, such as evacuating buildings, halting transportation systems, and shutting down critical infrastructure like power plants and gas lines.

The basic concept behind earthquake warning systems is to detect the less destructive primary waves (P-waves) that travel faster through the Earth than the more damaging secondary waves (S-waves). P-waves are typically the first signals of an earthquake, and by identifying them, the system can issue a warning before the S-waves, which cause most of the shaking, arrive. The time between the detection and the arrival of the S-waves can range from a few seconds to over a minute, depending on the location of the epicenter and the system's efficiency.

Countries like Japan, Mexico, and the United States have developed sophisticated early warning systems. Japan’s "J-Alert" system and Mexico’s "SASMEX" provide residents with alerts through TV, radio, and mobile networks. The United States, particularly in California, has implemented the "ShakeAlert" system, which is designed to send alerts to smartphones, giving users time to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On."

The effectiveness of earthquake warning systems depends on factors like proximity to the epicenter and the system’s coverage area. While these systems can significantly reduce injuries and deaths, they do have limitations, particularly for earthquakes that occur very close to urban areas, where warning times may be too short. However, as technology continues to improve, these systems are becoming more reliable and accessible, offering a critical layer of protection against the dangers of earthquakes.

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[walkswithmycamera]

Enjoying the moment at Polemedia (Limassol Forestry Park), Cyprus on 30 March 2013.

This is 9 years after we first arrived on Cyprus soil.

Cyprus, Memories of a life gone by.

It was a big move and it could so easily have failed.

But, we did it!

We took the bull by horns, sold our 2 bedroom terraced home in a Lancashire mill town in UK, taking our dog and 2 cats to "follow the dream" of a New Life in Cyprus.

Many dream, but don't do.

If life throws you the option - take that chance.

Don't leave it too late.....

++++++++++++

CORAL BAY - AN OVERNIGHT STAY.

February 2015 at Coral Bay Harbour in Paphos on the western side of the island and a popular tourist resort with British people as well as UK retirees.

The weather had played a real blinder and the day before we were ready to take the 70km drive from our home on the outskirts of Limassol towards Paphos - it snowed!

It was one of the coldest winters we'd experienced since the time we had arrived on the island, all the way back in 2004.

Not just in the mountains above Nicosia or on the Troodos ski resort - but, in the seaside resorts all along the coast...

It was still freezing cold when we arrived in the late morning, so we took ourselves into Coral Bay itself and a had a wander around exploring and taking in the scenery.

A little memorial sanctuary we found along the top of the coastal footpath above Coral Bay, close to our accommodation.

Here's that little memorial, I mentioned.

So here we were, taking a little break away from home reliant totally on a split air-conditioning unit to keep the 1 bedroom apartment we had chosen to stay in, warm and toasty.

Did we trust it? Not on your life!

We took our emergency electric fan heater along for the ride, and boy - did we need it...

++++++++++++

Everyone staying in the apartment complex that night, all ended up in the bar - body heat was the life and soul of the party that night.

LIMASSOL OLD TOWN.

A place we always liked to take our visitors who came to see us during the years we were based in Cyprus.

It's an interesting town although a new Marina was constructed a few years before we left it behind to return to UK in 2016.

You will always find a little bar or kafenion tucked away in the narrow streets.

This photo again, is in February - hence the outside liquid gas powered patio heaters.

And below, the wooden pier near Limassol Old Port - always a firm favourite place of mine.

++++++++++++

LIMASSOL WINE FESTIVAL.

We visited the wine festival, held in the public gardens down by the coast, just out of Limassol town centre, for the very first time in the summer of 2015.

The Wine Festival is an annual event and generally takes place in August, a time when most Cypriots take their summer holidays.

It's hot and humid, which gets very wearing - unless you're constantly in an office with air-conditioning.

A few photos from that night, here below:

The "Vraka Man"

Celebrating 54 Years of the Cyprus Wine Festival.

No festival is complete in Cyprus - unless there's SOUVLA.

Souvla - is large pieces, marinated and cooked slowly and lovingly over piles of white hot smouldering coals on huge BBQs. It's generally served with Cyprus potatoes cut into large wedges - also cooked slowly in oil as well as their skins

++++++++++++

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOUVLA.

This is the traditional way to serve Souvla (it can be pork or lamb) and it's served differently from the Souvlakia you are served in tourist restaurants where the meat is in smaller pieces, either on a skewer or in Pitta Bread.

It's the only way I will eat pork.

"I never liked it as a child living in the UK, but regular nights at a local bar - very close to where we lived in the village of Ypsonas some 12km out of the Tourist Area of Limassol, soon changed my mind on that."

"Frixo Fridays" on the old road leading out of Limassol in the direction of Paphos, would take you there.

We would meet with the local residents, the bar owner (Frixos) and his wife (Patroulla / Pat) and around half a dozen British people who lived on the other side of the village to us.

The juke box was constantly refilled with coins, the Zivania, KEO Beer and Carlsberg flowed along with much singing and dancing.

Souvla and salad was served free each Friday night - and we got the smell drifting gently into the bar from the back patio, where Frixos tended to it for several hours before and during the course of the evening.

GREAT MEMORIES!

Needless to say, we shipped a couple of Cyprus BBQs back to UK when we returned in 2016.

Go on, I know you're curious - click that link and have a peep at them. They're available to purchase in the UK.

I hope you enjoyed the photos and reading this small part of my past life in Cyprus.

Regards

Shell

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