Heavy rain and strong winds caused 17 landslides and rockfalls across the Algarve in 24 hours, regional civil protection officials have announced.
According to the Regional Command for Emergency and Civil Protection (CREPC), a total of 36 weather-related events were reported in the Faro district between 12pm on Monday and 12pm on Tuesday. Most were landslides and rockfalls, with Aljezur the worst affected municipality (five incidents), followed by Portimão (four), Monchique (three), Silves (two), and Vila do Bispo, Faro and Lagoa (one each).
A total of 104 personnel and 54 vehicles were involved in clearing debris, removing fallen trees and stabilising structures. CREPC said all incidents were promptly handled by municipal teams, without external reinforcements and with no significant impact on public safety.
The region remains under a declared contingency situation, active until 11:59pm on Sunday, with coordination mechanisms in place at political, institutional and operational levels, officials say. Several municipalities, including Silves, Monchique, Vila Real de Santo António, Alcoutim and Castro Marim, continue to operate municipal emergency plans, while São Brás de Alportel remains on alert. Measures include pre-positioned intervention teams, road closures, school shutdowns, and suspension of school transport where necessary.
Despite rough seas, all 11 Algarve river bars remain open to navigation, according to Mário Vasco de Figueiredo, Commander of the Southern Marine Zone of the National Maritime Authority (AMN).
Source: LUSA
