The municipal council of Alcoutim in the eastern Algarve has issued an urgent warning over a sharp rise in the level and flow of the Guadiana River, as large volumes of water continue to be released from several dams following days of heavy rain.
In a social media post published this afternoon, the local authority says it has received an “urgent communication” from the Vila Real de Santo António port captain, calling on riverside residents and boat users to take immediate action to protect people, animals and property.
“Warning to all boat users and riverside residents on the Guadiana River. In view of the drastic increase in water discharges from the dams (Pedrógão, Chança, Odeleite and Beliche), immediate measures must be taken,” the council said.
Authorities warned that the situation would worsen during the afternoon high tide, expected at around 4.30pm, describing it as a “period of maximum risk”. The areas most at risk are upstream sections of the river between Alcoutim and Mértola.
Among the recommended safety measures are reinforcing boat moorings, checking and doubling mooring lines where necessary, and ensuring that pumps and drainage systems are working properly and have fully charged batteries.
Navigation on the river has been prohibited, with maritime authorities urging people not to go out on boats. According to the warning, “the force of the current and submerged debris (logs and heavy objects) can cause wrecks or serious damage”.
Residents in riverside areas are also being advised to remove equipment and goods from low-lying zones prone to flooding and to avoid approaching quays or riverbanks during high tide. The council stressed that “the force of the water is unpredictable”.
The rising river levels are being driven by intense rainfall linked to Storm Leonardo, which is currently affecting mainland Portugal, combined with water stored after Storm Kristin passed through the country last week. As a result, the Alqueva and Pedrógão dams are discharging significant volumes of water into the Guadiana.
Although located downstream from Alcoutim, the Odeleite and Beliche dams, in the Castro Marim area, are also releasing water. This is expected to further raise the Guadiana’s level all the way to its mouth in Vila Real de Santo António.
