“This preventive management system allows, through a metallic structure, to safely and effectively temporarily lift the storm drain grates, ensuring that rainwater flows without obstructions caused by trash, leaves, or other debris. It also serves as a warning for people and vehicles if the storm drain becomes submerged,” explained the City Council, in a statement sent to Lusa news agency.
This device was developed by the Municipal Services of Castelo Branco in coordination with the Municipal Civil Protection Service and began implementation in 2022.
According to the municipality, the use of the prevention device has significantly reduced flooding incidents, “proving the effectiveness and positive impact of this project.”
“This strategy has a public awareness aspect, as citizens become more attentive to risks and are encouraged to take measures at their own homes, such as cleaning their rainwater systems.”
The Flood Prevention System was awarded the Local Best Practices Award in Resilience Promotion by ANEPC, “for its innovative, simple, and economical nature, especially concerning replicability, with a dual function of prevention and awareness, thereby creating greater resilience for the municipality of Castelo Branco.”
The municipality of Castelo Branco emphasized the importance of the project receiving first place and highlighted that it is “an important recognition of the work developed by the local government and its technical teams.”
“This distinction reinforces the commitment of the municipality of Castelo Branco to implementing innovative solutions that enhance the safety of the population and the territory’s response capacity to extreme phenomena.”
