The Armed Forces have more than a thousand soldiers deployed on the ground to provide direct support to the population trying to recover from the effects of Storm Kristin.
A statement from the General Staff of the Armed Forces (EMGFA) today also describes the use of 211 vehicles and 12 emergency communications equipment.
The 1,090 military personnel does not include “personnel on alert, nor the military personnel involved in the preparation and logistical support of modules involved”, the statement adds.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced that in the coming days between 2,000 – 3,000 soldiers will be involved in recovery operations.
Regarding land-based resources, the Armed Forces have 211 vehicles in operation, and 23 engineering machines.
Twelve generators have been made available to supply power, emergency communications have been reinforced or made available through 12 Starlink (satellite) devices, and 20 teams are operating for cleaning and cutting trees – 12 of which are equipped with chainsaws.
According to EMGFA, there are still 12 road clearing and cleaning operations underway, and two amphibious teams are in Coimbra and Tancos.
A total of 150 people are being supported with accommodation and food, and 80 sleeping bags have been made available.
According to the statement, the Armed Forces also have 1,860 beds available in 15 military units and 1,562 meals per day in different military units.
Meantime, with the government meeting with the Construction Industry Association today, it is hoped that the injuries suffered by homeowners trying to fix their own roofs will come to an end. The idea enacted in Marinha Grande yesterday of getting people to queue for roof tiles has been highlighted by Correio da Manhã as yet another sign of populations that feel they have no other choice than to take critical repairs into their own hands (which many are simply not capable of performing successfully).
Source: LUSA
