Blame game ensues among politicians after power failure incident
Power Outage Fiasco Sparks a Call for Change
Yesterday's 10-hour blackout left Portugal in the dark, stirring questions about crisis management and what actions are needed in such unexpected circumstances.
Portuguese political bigwigs swiftly responded, pinpointing the flaws that unraveled during that chaos-filled day, advocating for a discourse on this pressing issue.
The PS secretary-general proposed the assembly of the Security Coordination Office, rallying all security and civil protection services to tackle the power outage's aftermath effectively. He labeled the event as "an extraordinary anomaly" and voiced his disappointment with Civil Protection's response.
"Communication management in a crisis may not be walk in the park, but swiftness and clarity were indispensable from Civil Protection yesterday," Pedro Nuno Santos penned.
"Suddenly, what we took for granted vanished, our daily lives transformed into a conundrum. Simple tasks turned into daunting challenges," he added.
Panicked Populace
André Ventura focused his discourse on the urgency of keeping the populace well-informed.
The Chega president argued that, in response to the blackout, the Government must initiate immediate coordination among all structures responsible for handling this tumultuous situation. He implored the executive to guide the citizenry about the necessary actions.
"Amidst a 'general blackout' whose cause is yet unclear, the Government must ensure instant coordination of all security, energy, information, and civil protection structures," wrote the Chega leader on X.
Ventura underscored his worry about potentially leaving the "population directionless, uninformed, and confused," arguing that this fosters uncertainty and upheaval.
Disinformation and Deception
Mariana Mortágua echoed the same sentiment, emphasizing that quick and accurate communication is pivotal for curbing disinformation.
"With the havoc wrought by the power outage, the Government is expected to act rapidly and inform the nation promptly, including in the fight against disinformation," wrote the BE leader on X.
PAN spokesperson Inês Sousa Real criticized the tardiness of Civil Protection's information after the prolonged Portuguese power shortage.
"The priority of civil protection and resilience of cities is crucial, ensuring that citizens receive vital information in a timely manner. The information from civil protection arrived only at the end of the day," wrote Inês Sousa Real on X.
Recommendations for Better Preparedness
To improve preparedness, it's recommended to:
- Establish a Centralized Command Center: A central hub to oversee various departments and ensure swift communication and coordination during crises.
- Utilize Alternative Communication Channels: Radio, print materials, and two-way radios could be used to disseminate information when standard communication is disrupted.
- Leverage Digital Alternatives with Backup Power: Mobile networks, satellite communications, and other alternatives could be utilized for crucial communications in areas with limited connectivity.
- Foster Public Awareness and Education: Encourage citizens to prepare for emergencies with supplies such as radios and flashlights, and maintain clear, consistent messaging to minimize confusion and disinformation.
- Collaboration with EU and International Partners: Engage with the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and adopt best practices from other countries to enhance resilience and response capabilities.
- Regular Drills and Training: Regular drills and training for government officials contribute to honing crisis management and communication skills.
By implementing these recommendations, the Portuguese government can significantly improve its skills in managing communication and coordination during a power outage, minimizing chaos and misinformation.
- In light of the recent 10-hour power outage in Portugal, there is a call for a change in the country's policy-and-legislation, particularly in crisis management, as political figures question government's preparedness for unexpected circumstances.
- In the aftermath of the power outage, various political leaders have proposed solutions to address communication issues, including establishing a Centralized Command Center, utilizing alternative communication channels, fostering public awareness, and collaborating with EU and international partners, in an effort to improve the Portuguese government's response to future crises.
