Between 2:00 PM on Wednesday and 11:00 AM today, a total of 4,017 incidents related to adverse weather conditions caused by depression Cláudia, which is affecting mainland Portugal, have been recorded, stated the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) in a communiqué.
The most affected sub-regions were the Setúbal Peninsula with 647 incidents, the Porto Metropolitan Area with 423 incidents, and the Algarve with 586 incidents.
Out of the 4,017 occurrences, 2,148 were related to flooding, 731 to fallen trees, 497 to road clearings, 335 to fallen structures, and 281 to landslides.
Additionally, 11 water rescues and 14 land rescues were carried out.
The bad weather resulted in two fatalities in Fernão Ferro (Seixal), a couple over 80 years old, whose house was flooded, and 32 individuals were displaced in the municipalities of Abrantes, Salvaterra de Magos, Seixal, and Pombal.
Due to extreme wind phenomena, a British citizen, aged 85, died, and two others were injured at the Albufeira Camping site, in the Algarve, where the collapse of the Edan Resort restaurant roof caused 20 injuries.
In response to these occurrences, 12,382 personnel were engaged, supported by 4,795 vehicles, added the ANEPC.
The Civil Protection authority recommended that citizens adopt preventive measures in response to the bad weather, such as clearing rainwater drainage systems and properly securing loose structures, including scaffolding, signboards, and other suspended structures.
Civil Protection also advised caution when traveling and staying in wooded areas, due to the risk of falling branches or trees caused by strong winds, and taking precautions when traveling near the coast and riverside areas, particularly in regions historically more vulnerable to coastal flooding.
Additionally, activities related to the sea, such as recreational fishing, nautical sports, and seaside walks, as well as parking vehicles near the coastline, were discouraged.
Practicing defensive driving, reducing speed, being attentive to potential waterlogging of roads, avoiding flooded areas, and moving animals, equipment, vehicles, and other goods from flood-prone areas to safe locations are among other recommendations from the ANEPC.
