Japan’s embassy in Lisbon has stepped in with some straight-talking advice for people facing floods in Portugal, drawing on what it calls Japan’s long experience as “a country of natural disasters”.
In a message shared on Wednesday night, the Embassy of Japan in Portugal said it stood “with Portugal” and offered a series of practical tips that, while simple, could make a crucial difference during severe weather.
The guidance is aimed at everyone and it starts by challenging one of the most common assumptions people make during floods: footwear.
“Trainers, not wellies,” the embassy writes. “It may seem contradictory, but avoid wearing wellington boots in flooded areas,” the embassy warned. “If water gets inside the boots, they become extremely heavy and make it difficult to move in an emergency. The best option is well-fitting trainers, which offer greater stability and agility.”
Another tip focuses on what officials call a “third leg” when moving through floodwater. The advice is to use an object such as a broom handle or umbrella to probe the ground ahead if walking through a flooded area is unavoidable.
“During floods, manhole covers can be dislodged and remain invisible under dirty water, creating traps that can be deadly,” the embassy cautioned.
When water levels rise, there is also a clear rule not to ignore.
“Evacuate before the water reaches knee height,” the embassy says.
“When water reaches that level, the pressure makes it almost impossible for an adult to walk against the current. If water rises rapidly above knee height while you are at home, do not try to leave; move to the highest floor of the house instead,” the embassy explained, referring to so-called vertical evacuation.
Drivers are given a final, stark warning.
“Just 30 centimetres of moving water can sweep away most cars,” the embassy said. “If you come across a flooded road, don’t take the risk. Turn back, don’t drown.”
