NATO Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination
Centre (EADRCC)
1. Update on the Situation
1.1 The Civil Emergency Planning National Council of Portugal has informed the EADRCC that extensive forest fires have continued to affect the entire central region of Portugal, the situation is dangerous. According to the latest information 14 people have died, 54 thousand hectares of forest were burnt, hundreds of houses were destroyed, 680 kilometres of electrical power lines were also lost. Dozens of people had to be evacuated from their settlements. The expected high temperature for the next days (above 42 degrees Celsius) is of a great concern.
2. As far as the national response is concerned as of 5 August 2003
- 1480 firemen;
- 710 military persons;
- 928 vehicles and
- 36 planes/helicopters
participated in fire fighting operations.
3. International response
3.1 Following the EADRCC request Germany has informed the EADRCC that the Government of Germany has offered to the Government of Portugal 3 transport helicopters with fire fighting equipment.
4. Outstanding Requirements for Assistance:
4.1 The Portuguese authorities have confirmed that their request for assistance is valid as follows:
- 4 Canadairs (amphibious airplane) or heavy helicopters with fire fighting equipment
5. Contact information
5.1 The Point of Contact is:
Name: Albuquerque, Col. Anibal
Organization: Civil Emergency Planning National Council Portugal
Telephone: +351 (21) 721 4611
Mobile: +351 (96) 908 8793
Fax : +351 (21) 7273154
6. Coordinated Response
6.1 With a view to providing a coordinated response to the remaining requirements of the stricken nation, nations in a position to meet these requirements, in full or in part, are invited to reply to the Point of Contact of the stricken nation, with an information copy to the EADRCC, by any of the means of communication listed below:
6.2 The Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre can be reached in the following ways:
Telephone: +32-2-707.2670
Fax : +32-2-707.2677
Telex: Belgium 23867
e-mail: Eadrcc@hq.nato.int