Portugal’s environmental agency (APA) has announced that 54 areas in Portugal – five of which are in the Algarve – are “critically” prone to flooding.
A study conducted by APA alongside the Civil Protection Authority (ANPC) and the National Municipalities Association (ANMP) has been presented in the form of a map, highlighting the danger areas.
Aljezur, Tavira, Monchique, Faro and Silves are the Algarve boroughs most at risk, while elsewhere on the mainland is Ponte de Lima/Ponte da Barca, Esposende, Régua, Porto/Vila Nova de Gaia, Chaves, Coimbra, Rio Mondego estuary, Águeda, Ria de Aveiro, Pombal, Abrantes/Santarém/Vila Franca de Xira, Loures/Odivelas, Torres Vedras, Tomar, Setúbal, Alcácer do Sal and Santiago do Cacém (Alvalade).
There are also areas in the Azores (5) and Madeira (27).
APA’s Nuno Lacasta explained that the study strives to “provide objective information to the people and the municipalities” so that they can be prepared.
The authority is now working on a set of plans to help municipalities take preventive measures. They should be approved by the end of the year.
