Civil protection authorities are warning that the heavy rainfall forecast for the coming days in Portugal could lead to further flooding.
Mário Silvestre, national commander of Portugal’s Civil Protection (ANEPC), said the Mondego, Tagus, Sorraia, Vouga, Águeda and Sado rivers are at the highest risk. “From the point of view of significant flood risk, these watercourses may have an increased risk of flooding,” he said.
Other rivers at risk include the Minho, Coura, Lima, Cávado, Ave, Douro, Tâmega, Sousa, Lis, Nabão and Guadiana. “It is a very long list of the main watercourses that are currently affected or potentially affected by flooding. It goes from north to south of the country,” Silvestre added.
Smaller streams and rivers could also overflow again, affecting areas that had just recovered from earlier floods. Silvestre warned that the current situation is “anything but normal” for winter.
The Douro River is expected to be the “least affected,” but the Tagus basin plan remains at its highest level – red. The biggest concern remains persistent rainfall, which could trigger new flooding episodes.
Strong gusts are also expected in the highlands, along with rough seas reaching 10 to 11 metres, according to the Portuguese Sea and Atmosphere Institute (IPMA), which has issued yellow and orange warnings for several northern and central regions.
Silvestre urged the public to take safety measures, especially in vulnerable areas, recommending that people “preserve their property, remove their belongings from their homes and also safeguard their safety.”
