Today, LisbonWave26 exercise was audible along the Lisbon’s waterfront. The Tsunami Warning Test in Lisbon will be heard in several areas. Find out below and what to do in a real tsunami situation.
Tsunami Warning Test in Lisbon: When and Where
From time to time, Lisbon creates special warning drills near vulnerable areas in case of a tsunami. The tsunami systems are heard, they usually say “exercise or exercício” to avoid confusion with real situations. The system will be active for about 20 to 30 minutes (starting at 10:30 AM) so that Civil Protection is able to test the evacuation procedures and, above all, check the system’s audibility.
You will hear the Tsunami Warning Test for 4 sirens in the following critical areas:
- Praça do Império
- Ribeira das Naus
- Passeio Carlos do Carmo
- Doca de Alcântara
You can join the exercise by following the evacuation plan to the meeting point (safe zone) that is located in a higher area of the city, away from the coastline and flood-prone area. You should see the evacuation signage below or similar signs with the words (Zona Segura and Safe Zone).
What to do during a Real Tsunami in Lisbon
Hopefully, you will only hear the tsunami warning test in Lisbon and not a real warning. The first steps in case of a Real Tsunami (and in this case the warning system won’t say exercise) are the following:
- Observe the signs: a sudden retreat of the sea, or a loud roar from the ocean can indicate a tsunami. After events like the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, these natural signs proved critical.
- Move immediately to higher ground: Head inland or uphill as fast as possible, following evacuation routes marked by authorities such as Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil.
- Follow official alerts and instructions: Pay attention to sirens, SMS alerts, and radio announcements. In Lisbon, these systems are tested during drills but will clearly indicate a real emergency when it occurs.
- Avoid the coast and rivers: Tsunami waves can travel inland through rivers and low-lying areas, not just beaches.
- Stay in the safe zone: Do not return to coastal areas until authorities confirm it is safe—multiple waves can occur over time.
- Help others if possible: Assist children, elderly people, or anyone who may need support, but don’t delay your evacuation.
A tsunami warning test in Lisbon is very important to inform people of the evacuation plan and to ask questions to the Civil Protection. Both locals and returning tourists will be better prepared for a real tsunami situation. Learn more about Emergency situations in Portugal and what to do.
Praça do Império (Source: Michael Fleczoreck on Unsplash.com)
