Portugal Hosts Annual Earthquake Awareness Exercise

The Portuguese National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) is holding its 14th annual public exercise today, November 5, to raise awareness about seismic risks. At 11:05 a.m., citizens across the country are invited to participate in a one-minute drill designed to teach fundamental self-protection behaviors that could prove life-saving during an earthquake.

The initiative, known as 'A Terra Treme' (The Earth Shakes), coincides with World Tsunami Awareness Day. It serves as a critical reminder of Portugal's vulnerability to seismic activity, a fact that officials note is often overlooked due to the long intervals between major earthquakes. By simulating an emergency, the ANEPC aims to build a collective memory and ensure that individuals, schools, and workplaces are better prepared to react instinctively when a real tremor occurs.

The core of the exercise involves three simple, sequential actions: 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On.' Participants are encouraged to drop to the ground to avoid being knocked over by seismic waves, seek cover under a sturdy surface like a table to protect their heads and vital areas from falling debris, and hold that position for one minute, which is considered the average duration of a significant earthquake.

Carlos Mendes, the National Director for Risk Prevention and Management at ANEPC, emphasized the importance of these drills during an interview. 'What we want, year after year, is to expand the number of people who practice these three essential gestures,' Mendes stated. He explained that because large-scale earthquakes occur infrequently in Portugal, the public lacks a present collective memory of their impact, making annual reminders essential for internalizing safety protocols.

The exercise is designed to be inclusive, welcoming participation from individuals, families, schools, and businesses. While registration is not mandatory, the ANEPC encourages participants to sign up on their official website to help track the initiative's reach. In previous years, the program has seen significant engagement, with over 750,000 participants recorded in 2025. This year, organizers hope to surpass those figures, with the main event taking place at the Sebastião da Gama Secondary School in Setúbal.

Beyond the immediate drill, experts suggest that households should take proactive steps to secure their living environments. This includes anchoring heavy furniture to walls, keeping hallways clear of obstructions, and knowing how to quickly shut off gas, water, and electricity lines. Furthermore, creating a family emergency plan and maintaining a basic kit—containing items such as a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, a whistle, and a first-aid kit—are recommended strategies for long-term preparedness in the event of a natural disaster.