River flows expected to continue rising
With the effects of storm Martinho still being felt throughout the country, authorities are warning of the “high risk” of the Tejo river bursting its banks and causing possible flooding as river flows are expected to continue rising for some time yet.
The Tejo has seen a “considerable increase” in flows due to the rain of the last few days – and discharges from Spanish dams (due to their high levels) have added to this increase.
Right now, “the inflows from Spain should continue to increase”, says civil protection authority ANEPC, stressing this adds to the risk of flooding in areas that are “historically susceptible”.
Flows could reach over 2000 cubic metres per second, says today’s alert, adding that the fact that the soil everywhere is saturated slows the whole drainage process down, and is already affecting various roads.
A similar alert has also been sounded for the Sorraia river (which flows into the Tejo), as the flow there has risen and is expected to continue doing so.
In this complicated scenario, the advice to populations is to remove animals, agricultural equipment, cars and other goods from areas that are likely to flood and avoid passing through flooded areas – whether on foot or with vehicles.
ANEPC has also made a list of affected roads. At the moment, there are reports of flooded or submerged roads in the municipalities of Azambuja, Benavente, Salvaterra de Magos, Coruche, Golegã, Cartaxo, Santarém, Almeirim, Abrantes, Constância, Vila Nova da Barquinha, and Torres Novas. ND
Lusa
