At a time when Algarve dams are at their “best ever levels” thanks to recent rainfall, preventive water releases will be carried out at two local dams over the coming days to maintain safe levels, prompting authorities to advise caution for people living near riverbanks and downstream areas.
According to the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), the first controlled release will take place at the Odeleite dam, in the municipality of Castro Marim, starting at 2pm this Tuesday (December 30). The operation involves a controlled bottom discharge aimed at lowering the reservoir’s water level for safety reasons.
A second release is planned at the Odelouca dam, in Monchique, with operations scheduled to begin on Friday, January 2.
Cited by Jornal de Notícias, APA has appealed to residents in affected areas to remove personal belongings from river margins and avoid zones that may be temporarily flooded.
“After more than a decade of drought, this marks the second consecutive year of preventive releases,” APA told JN, noting that such operations have had positive effects on the ecological recovery of local streams.
