A new volunteer network, TempestadeSOS.com (which translates into StormSOS.com), has quickly become a key lifeline for communities hit by recent storms in Portugal. In just days, the platform has mobilised an “army of volunteers,” officially registering more than 2,000 people and resolving over 1,000 urgent requests.
The initiative was launched on Friday, January 30, by Ricardo Paiágua, who previously led projects like Portugal Sem Chamas and Cama Solidária. TempestadeSOS is designed to connect people in need with volunteers ready to act fast.
Volunteers are organised into departments including operations, logistics, transport, marketing, crisis management, communication, technology, and legal support. The platform operates in a decentralised way, encouraging teamwork under the motto: “Here, no one is left behind.”
Requests range from urgent material needs – generators, roof tiles, tarps, oxygen pumps, construction materials, and food – to psychological support.
In only five days, the platform added new features to speed up assistance. These include Recarregar, which provides locations for hot meals and showers; SOS Booking, which coordinates accommodation for volunteers and those offering a place to stay; Pontos de Recolha, a national network for collecting donations; Estou Aqui, a space for words of encouragement; Boleias, which arranges transport for volunteers and urgent passenger needs; Projetos, which assigns specific missions like clearing streets or repairing roofs; Não Consigo Falar, which helps contact people who are unreachable; and Papelada, which shares essential legal information.
Commenting on the quick success of the initiative, founder Ricardo Paiágua said: “If tomorrow they ask us for a spaceship, we can bring a spaceship to Portugal.”
“Right now, trucks are delivering across the country, volunteers are on the ground, and the operation is growing by the hour. At the centre of it all, a heartfelt thanks to the unity of the Portuguese people.”
Following a call from Andalusia, which has also been hit hard by Storm Leonardo, the platform’s model has been replicated in Spain as TormentaSOS.com. Its mission is the same: connect those in need with volunteers ready to help.
