Earthquakes in Portugal

Portugal lies on the Azores-Gibraltar Fault, one of the most seismically active zones in Europe. Learn how to prepare and what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.

Portugal is an earthquake-prone country

The 1755 earthquake devastated Lisbon and is considered one of the greatest natural disasters in European history, with an estimated magnitude of 8.5-9.0. Mainland Portugal, the Azores, and Madeira remain at seismic risk. The question is not IF another major earthquake will happen, but WHEN.

Seismic risk zones in Portugal

High risk

  • Algarve: close to the Azores-Gibraltar Fault, risk of earthquake and tsunami
  • Greater Lisbon and Tagus Valley: highest seismic intensity zone on the mainland
  • Azores: located at the junction of three tectonic plates (1998 Faial earthquake)

Moderate risk

  • Setúbal and coastal Alentejo: influence of the Lower Tagus Valley fault
  • Coimbra and Central region: active local faults
  • Madeira: lower but existing seismic activity

Lower risk

  • Northern interior: zone of lowest seismicity
  • Trás-os-Montes: least recorded activity
  • Note: lower risk does NOT mean no risk. Earthquakes can occur in any zone

BEFORE: How to prepare

Earthquake-proofing your home

  • Secure tall furniture to the wall with metal brackets (bookshelves, wardrobes, display cabinets)
  • Secure your water heater/boiler to the wall with reinforced supports
  • Install latches on cabinet doors (prevents contents from falling out)
  • Heavy objects on low shelves (never above head height)
  • Frames and mirrors: secure with closed hooks (not simple nails)
  • TVs and monitors: secure with anti-fall straps or wall mounts
  • Gas bottles: secure with chains or metal straps, know how to close the valve

Accessible emergency kit

  • Emergency bag near the door or under the bed (see guide)
  • Torch and whistle in every room (bedside table)
  • Closed shoes next to the bed (broken glass on the floor)
  • Water and food for 72 hours (see checklist)
  • Screwdriver and adjustable spanner near the gas supply

Family plan

  • Set an outdoor meeting point (create plan)
  • Every family member knows where the circuit breaker and gas valve are
  • Practise "Drop, Cover, Hold On" (Baixar-Proteger-Aguardar) with the whole family
  • Identify safe zones in each room (away from windows and tall furniture)
  • Out-of-area contact (relative in another city) for coordination

DURING: What to do in an earthquake

Rule: DROP, COVER, HOLD ON

DROP: Get down on your hands and knees (prevents falling). COVER: Protect your head and neck under a sturdy table or next to an interior wall. HOLD ON: Stay in position until the shaking stops. Do not run outside during the earthquake.

If you are indoors

  • DO NOT run outside during the earthquake (falling facades, glass, balconies)
  • Take cover under a sturdy table, holding onto one leg
  • If there is no table: go to an interior wall, protect your head with your arms
  • Stay away from: windows, mirrors, chandeliers, bookshelves, fireplaces
  • DO NOT use lifts
  • DO NOT stand in doorways (this is a myth, doorways are not safer)
  • If you are in bed: stay in bed, protect your head with a pillow

If you are outdoors

  • Move away from buildings, poles, trees, and power lines
  • Find open space (square, field)
  • Drop to the ground and protect your head
  • In a car: stop in a safe location (not under overpasses or bridges), stay inside the car
  • At the beach: after the earthquake, move away from the coast immediately, tsunami risk
  • In the mountains: beware of landslides and falling rocks

AFTER: Recovery

First minutes after the earthquake

  • Expect aftershocks: they are normal and can be strong. Stay alert
  • Check for injuries: provide first aid if possible (see guide)
  • Check the structure: large cracks, leaning walls, collapsed floors = LEAVE immediately
  • Turn off gas: if you smell gas, close the valve and open windows. DO NOT light matches or lighters
  • Turn off electricity: if there is damage to the wiring or a burning smell
  • DO NOT use your phone for non-urgent calls (free up the network for emergencies), use text messages

Home assessment

  • Photograph all damage (for insurance)
  • Check the chimney before using the fireplace
  • Do not use tap water until it is confirmed safe
  • Check for chemical spills
  • If the house appears unsafe: DO NOT enter, wait for a technical assessment

Tsunami after an earthquake

  • If you felt a strong earthquake on the coast: go IMMEDIATELY to high ground (at least 30m above sea level or 2km inland)
  • Do not wait for an official alert. The earthquake IS the natural warning
  • If the sea retreats abnormally: RUN to high ground
  • A tsunami can arrive 15-60 minutes after an earthquake
  • See the tsunami guide for more information

Useful numbers

Emergency

  • 112: European emergency number
  • SNS 24 (health line): 808 24 24 24
  • ANEPC (Civil Protection): 800 246 246

Monitoring

  • IPMA (weather and geophysics institute): ipma.pt/sismologia
  • Track aftershocks in real time
  • IPMA app with seismic alerts

Information

  • Antena 1: 95.7 FM (Lisbon)
  • RTP1: continuous news coverage
  • All contacts

Did you know?

Portugal records an average of 20-30 earthquakes per month detected by IPMA (the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere), most of them imperceptible. The last destructive earthquake on the mainland was in 1969 (magnitude 7.9, felt across the entire country). In the Azores, the 1998 Faial earthquake killed 8 people and destroyed thousands of homes. Preparation is the best protection.