Penafiel presents new Civil Protection Operational Center with Minister of Internal Administration

The new center aims to strengthen prevention and emergency response, with investment in modern equipment and infrastructure.

Generic image of a modern civil protection operational center with Portuguese architectural elements, during the day.
AI

Generic image of a modern civil protection operational center with Portuguese architectural elements, during the day.

The Municipality of Penafiel presented the project for the new Civil Protection Operational Center, in a session attended by the Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, and the Mayor, Pedro Cepeda.

The project involves the requalification of a municipal building to provide Civil Protection with better facilities and operational resources, strengthening prevention, planning, and emergency response capabilities. The new center will include an operations room, information monitoring and analysis spaces, and a crisis and meeting room.
To optimize risk monitoring and operational support, the center will be equipped with a drone, thermal camera, weather station, and water level measurement sensor. Radiocommunication and satellite communication equipment, generators, portable lighting, and an operational management computer system will also be acquired. For supporting populations in emergencies, an inflatable tent and 50 sets of camp beds are planned.
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"Mayors are those who best know the populations, the territory, the roads, the paths, and the most vulnerable people. This is a wealth of information that should be leveraged, particularly in prevention work."

Luís Neves · Minister of Internal Administration
Luís Neves highlighted the importance of prevention and investment in structures that improve preparedness and response coordination, praising Penafiel's initiative for the privileged knowledge municipalities have about their territory and populations.
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"The response to an emergency situation must begin long before the first call for help. To be effective, it must start with knowledge of the territory, team preparation, quality of communications, and the ability of different institutions to work together."

Pedro Cepeda · Mayor of Penafiel
Pedro Cepeda pointed out the municipality's risks, such as rural fires, floods, and road accidents, advocating for a response based on territorial knowledge and inter-entity coordination. The mayor also valued the role of fire departments and the sustainability of humanitarian associations.
It was announced that the creation of the Penafiel Municipal Security Council will be proposed to the Municipal Assembly, to promote dialogue and cooperation among relevant entities in the security area. The project is co-financed by the Norte 2030 program.
Based on information from the official source: Câmara Municipal de Penafiel (20/10/2026)