Two donkeys were successfully rescued in Barril do Alva, in the municipality of Arganil, after being stranded by rising waters on Tuesday morning, February 10. The animals had become trapped in a riverbed and were unable to escape the flooded area, but thanks to swift action by local emergency services and residents, they were safely rescued later that day.
The operation, which concluded after lunchtime, involved the Coja, Arganil, and Tábua Volunteer Fire Brigades, who provided a boat for the rescue, with additional support from local farmers and residents.
According to the second commander of the Coja Volunteer Fire Brigade, who spoke with Diário de Coimbra, the donkeys were found approximately 100 metres from the riverbank in the middle of the riverbed, where the water flow was still strong and unrelenting. The challenging conditions made access to the animals difficult.
Equipped with boats and aided by tractors, the fire brigades worked tirelessly to reach and bring the donkeys to safety. After several hours, the animals were safely rescued, treated, and fed.
The donkeys are said to belong to a livestock farm in Vila Cova do Alva. A representative from the farm told Notícias de Tábua that the animals had gone missing the previous night and had likely been swept away by the powerful current affecting local riverside areas.
The animals are now safe and recovering from their ordeal. Watch the rescue video below.
