In 2018, the fire in Monchique was hampered by strong and changing winds, predicted by the IPMA (Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere). The fire resulted in 41 injuries and consumed 26,885 ha of forests in Silves, Odemira, Portimão and Monchique. It burned 62 permanent homes, 49 second homes, and killed 5,600 animals.
In 2015, a storm filled most of the centre of Albufeira, hundreds of cars were totally destroyed, a hundred shops lost most of their stocks. Architects and IPMA predicted it would happen.
Every six to ten years an earthquake affects a few homes in the Algarve. It is difficult to predict when it comes, but easy to build resistant homes. But in some Câmaras do not check the construction requirements; in theory the engineer is responsible.
Families in the Algarve always lose money, assets, photos and trust in the local and national authorities. Science delivers reports, surveys, research, which could be used to limit the effects of tragedies, both in the Algarve and in the world. But governments ignore them. Why? Who profits, at the expense mainly of the poor and middle-class families?
Since 1962 in Stockholm there were official international meetings to improve environment. Another one in 1982 in Rio de Janeiro. But now, for some 50 years almost nothing has happened, although there has been scientific evidence on climate change, water poisoning, increasing forest fires, tsunamis.
Many reports predict a tsunami in the Algarve for coming years. The only mayor who did something is Isilda Gomes, in Portimao. Along most beaches she has built a 3m high sand barrier which will stop, or at least limit, the strength of a tsunami. And there are many signs showing people where to run, if a tsunami comes. Rosa Palma, mayor of Silves, is keeping ways clean to avoid fires.
On the other hand, one minister stopped inexpensive wooden homes in the remote areas, “to avoid fires affecting families”, instead of placing cameras at top of some mountains; or using drones or satellite early-warning systems which tell where to place firefighters with small trucks to extinguish flames before they become fires. Who profits with this? The construction lobby? The cartel which rents hellis to government?
An excellent example is Admiral Gouveia Melo, organising the vaccination program! Another example is Ana Godinho, who is supporting all families affected by Covid. We need powerful people in government. What about Gomes+Melo+Godinho+Palma in power to improve laws? And a new constitution to make politicians focus more on their electors and less on??? You know!
