Two fatalities have been reported in Fernão Ferro (Seixal) and a total of 32 individuals displaced in the municipalities of Abrantes, Salvaterra de Magos, Seixal, and Pombal, announced the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC). This update is part of the status report on the passage of depression Cláudia, affecting mainland Portugal.
The Setúbal Peninsula recorded 577 incidents, Greater Lisbon 265, and the Algarve 251, as the hardest-hit sub-regions, according to ANEPC in the report of adverse weather conditions registered between 2:00 PM Wednesday and 11:00 AM today.
The majority of incidents are related to flooding, with 1,357 situations in total, followed by fallen trees at 442, road clearance at 264, structural collapses at 182, and mass movements at 171, according to Civil Protection.
There have also been nine aquatic rescues and nine land rescues reported by ANEPC.
“In responding to these incidents, 7,682 personnel were deployed, supported by 2,947 vehicles,” the statement added.
In its communiqué, ANEPC emphasized that the impact of adverse weather effects can be minimized through proper preventive behaviors, especially in historically vulnerable areas, by adopting measures such as clearing rainwater drainage systems.
Civil Protection further advises citizens to exercise caution when traveling and staying in wooded areas, take precautions near coastal and riverside areas, and avoid maritime-related activities such as sport fishing, water sports, and seaside walks, as well as parking vehicles along the seashore.
Other preventive measures include defensive driving, reducing speed and paying special attention to the possible formation of water sheets on roads; not crossing flooded areas to prevent the risk of people or vehicles being dragged into holes in the pavement or open sewage manholes; and removing animals, equipment, vehicles, and other goods from typically flood-prone areas to safe locations.
Depression Cláudia has been affecting mainland Portugal and the Madeira archipelago since Wednesday, bringing strong rain, wind, and maritime unrest, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
Faro, Setúbal, and Beja are under an orange warning today and Saturday for expected rain, with “heavy showers occasionally accompanied by thunderstorms,” according to IPMA, placing the other 15 districts of mainland Portugal under a yellow warning, the least severe, for precipitation, wind, and maritime unrest.
The orange warning is issued by IPMA whenever there is a moderate to high-risk meteorological situation, while the yellow warning indicates a risk for certain activities dependent on weather conditions.
