Residents in Silves have been warned of a heightened risk of flooding after authorities confirmed increased water releases from two major dams in the Algarve.
According to Portugal’s Environment Agency (APA), discharges from the Funcho dam are being increased due to current weather conditions. As a result, the Association of Irrigators and Beneficiaries of Silves, Lagoa and Portimão will also increase releases from the Arade dam.
Local authorities say flooding may affect the riverside area of Silves from around 2.30pm this Wednesday, February 4, with the risk expected to continue into the early hours of the following morning.
The municipal council of Silves has urged residents and businesses in flood-prone areas to take immediate preventive action, particularly those close to the Arade River.
People are being asked to remove vehicles and equipment from low-lying areas and riverbanks, especially in locations with a history of flooding. These include the Roman Bridge Restaurant area, Horta Grande Hostel, Silves Municipal Market, the Lidl and Burger Ranch areas, riverside car parks, and surrounding streets.
Drivers are also being warned about possible road closures and are advised to reduce speed, remain alert and watch out for landslides or standing water on roads. In the neighbouring municipality of Portimão, for example, low-lying areas near the EN124 road leading to Monchique have already flooded and are threatening to overflow onto the road.
Thus, authorities strongly advise against remaining near riverbanks or watercourses and are calling on the public to adopt a cautious and preventive approach, avoiding any risky behaviour.
Residents are urged to follow updates from local authorities as the situation develops and, in case of emergency, call the 112 national emergency hotline.
Last week, a Dutch woman died when her car got swept away by a nearby stream that overflowed due to the downpour in Algoz, Silves.
