The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action has indicated that the flooding of Ribeira de Santiago was likely caused by a licensed woodcutting operation upstream. It appears necessary best practices were not followed, particularly in avoiding the deposition of wood and vegetal remains near water lines.
This oversight led to the accumulation of materials, blocking two hydraulic passages, resulting in water overflow and significant damage in the area.
Alonso Miguel, the regional secretary of the Environment and Climate Action, who inspected the affected areas on Tuesday, stated that the matter has been referred to the responsible government department—the Regional Secretariat of Agriculture and Food—for investigation. If violations are confirmed, a disciplinary process will be initiated.
The bad weather, according to the Lagoa Municipal Council, caused significant material damage in the municipality without any casualties. The storm impacted the town of Água de Pau, causing floods in homes and public roads, and the overflow of streams dragged vehicles away.
Highlighting the incident, a house was flooded and rendered uninhabitable, though relocation was unnecessary as residents stayed with relatives.
“Four vehicles were carried away by the force of the waters from the Ribeira de Santiago, located on Rua da Ribeira Seca,” the council added.
Overall, about fifteen vehicles were damaged, but no casualties were reported.
The Azorean Government announced today that applications are open for support concerning damage and property losses due to the extreme weather event in Lagoa municipality.
The decree, published in the Official Journal by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, states that applications will be for “support provided under the financial legal regime for climate emergency aid for property loss and damage caused by the extreme weather event in Água de Pau, Lagoa municipality, São Miguel island, on October 25, 2025.”
On that day, unpredictable adverse weather conditions caused various property damages to affected populations, especially in Água de Pau, Lagoa municipality, warranting the application of the financial legal regime for climate emergency support due to this extreme weather event.
Alonso Miguel visited Água de Pau (Lagoa) and Ribeirinha (Ribeira Grande) on Tuesday to assess the extent of the damage and devise solutions to aid the affected families.
Regarding the situation in Ribeira Grande municipality, the official noted it was a recurring issue, with a definitive solution planned soon. This follows an ARAAL contract (development agreement between the regional and local administration) between the Regional Government and Ribeira Grande Municipal Council to ensure the requalification and improvement of the outflow conditions into Ribeira das Gramas.
