The municipalities of Alcoutim, Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António declared a Municipal Alert Situation on Tuesday afternoon, as rising river levels increase the risk of flooding along the lower Guadiana.
The alert was activated at 4pm on Wednesday (February 4) under Portugal’s Civil Protection framework, following a sharp and sustained rise in river flows in the international and lower stretches of the Guadiana.
According to local authorities, the risk is being driven by a combination of factors, including ongoing water releases from the Alqueva and Pedrógão dams in Portugal and the Chanza dam in Spain, as well as additional inflows from other tributaries in the Guadiana basin. Persistent rainfall across the catchment area is further worsening the situation.
Authorities also warn that high flow rates are expected to continue. When combined with tidal influence in the Guadiana estuary, this is significantly limiting the river’s ability to drain, increasing the likelihood of flooding, they explain.
As the current conditions pose a heightened risk to riverside areas across the three municipalities, with potential impacts on people, property, infrastructure, road access and economic activity, the alert allows for exceptional coordination, prevention and response measures to be activated under the national emergency and civil protection system.
Under the declared alert, the municipalities are working in close coordination with the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC), fire brigades, security forces and the National Maritime Authority.
Measures already implemented include the continuous monitoring of the Guadiana’s hydrological behaviour, coordination with dam operators to manage and regulate water releases, increased surveillance of riverside zones and historically vulnerable areas, preventive closure of roads affected by flooding or at risk of inundation, and activation of political, institutional and operational coordination mechanisms through Municipal Civil Protection Commissions and Municipal Operational Coordination Centres.
Advice to the public
Municipal civil protection authorities are urging residents to act with caution and follow official guidance.
People are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, especially to riverside and flood-prone areas, and not to remain near the riverbanks or attempt to cross flooded areas, whether on foot or by vehicle.
Residents are also being asked to remove animals, agricultural and industrial equipment, vehicles and other belongings from low-lying areas near watercourses and move them to safe locations. Protecting property and adopting personal safety measures is strongly recommended.
Authorities stress that the public should rely only on information from official channels and follow instructions issued by emergency services.
In case of emergency or imminent danger, residents should immediately call 112.
The situation will continue to be monitored on a permanent basis, with updates issued as required in line with evolving hydrological and weather conditions. Officials say public cooperation, caution and calm will be essential to ensure collective safety.
