Implementation of a seismic alert system in Lisbon and Cascais
The Catalan company Lafcarr Project & Design has been awarded a public contract to install a seismic alert system in the metropolitan area of Lisbon and Cascais. This initiative aims to strengthen public safety in a high seismic risk area, historically affected by earthquakes and tsunamis.
Seismic risk in Lisbon: a historic vulnerability
The Lisbon metropolitan area is recognized as one of the regions in Europe with the highest seismic vulnerability. In 1755, Lisbon experienced one of the most devastating earthquakes in European history, followed by a tsunami that destroyed the city. More recently, in January 2018, a magnitude 4.3 earthquake was recorded in Arraiolos, just 123 kilometers from the Portuguese capital.
Given this risk, local authorities launched a public tender to implement a seismic alert system that would allow immediate communication with the population in the event of an emergency.
Technical details of the project
Lafcarr was awarded the project with a total budget of €50,000 and a nine-month execution period. The system consists of the installation of four high-power electronic sirens: two in the city of Lisbon and two in Cascais, located approximately 30 kilometers from the capital.
These sirens are designed to emit both alarm tones and pre-recorded voice messages, following the Portuguese emergency protocols. The devices can reach an acoustic range of 1,500 to 2,000 meters, ensuring that the alert will cover densely populated urban areas effectively.
Public safety and acoustic alert systems
According to Arnau Nogué, Commercial Director of Lafcarr, the goal of the project is to minimize risks by providing the population with timely information during an earthquake or tsunami event. “It is impossible to avoid the emergency, but risks can be reduced by alerting citizens to evacuate,” he stated.
The company emphasizes that acoustic warning systems are the most efficient way to reach a large number of people in a short time, particularly in cases where mobile networks may collapse due to the emergency.
Experience and international presence of Lafcarr
Based in Vilablareix (Girona, Spain), Lafcarr is a leading company in the design and implementation of emergency and risk management systems. With a workforce of 20 employees and an annual turnover of €3 million in 2017, the company has extensive experience in installing alert systems for hydroelectric dams, petrochemical plants, industrial complexes, and energy centers.
In addition to their operations in Spain, Lafcarr has developed international projects, including risk prevention systems in Chile for seismic hazards. Since 2015, the company has also worked in Portugal, collaborating with the electric utility EDP on dam-related projects.
A comprehensive emergency management approach
This seismic alert system is part of Lafcarr’s commitment to developing integrated emergency response solutions, combining acoustic alerts with other communication technologies to ensure maximum coverage and public safety. Their systems can be adapted to different types of risks, including floods, chemical incidents, nuclear emergencies, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.
For further information, you can read the original news article in La Vanguardia:
Spanish company to install seismic alert system in Lisbon
