The maritime agitation caused by the post-tropical cyclone Erin, which placed mainland Portugal under a yellow alert in recent hours, has left a trail of destruction from north to south of the country.
Since 6 a.m. on Tuesday, August 26, waves several meters high have violently hit the coastline, causing damage and contributing to the disappearance of a man at Praia da Parede, in Cascais.
Several videos shared on social media depict the scene of destruction.
A video captured at Costa da Caparica shows the moment when, with the tide already high, the sea ‘invades’ the sand, knocking over straw umbrellas, and dragging chairs, a wooden hut, and other materials from the site.
The footage also shows two people who emerge unharmed despite the force of the sea.
A video widely shared on social media shows the moment when, at high tide, the sea invaded the sand at Costa da Caparica, causing damage.
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In Figueira da Foz, the situation is calmer today, but the strong waves caused panic moments at Cabedelo Beach, where only the vigilant lifeguards averted a tragedy.
Several bathers were swept away by a wave in the afternoon, and one had to be rescued, as shown in a video circulating on social media with thousands of shares.
Besides the bathers, the sea also claimed several umbrellas, as well as towels, coolers, and other belongings.
A video shared on social media shows panic moments experienced on Tuesday at Cabedelo Beach in Figueira da Foz. Several bathers were swept away by the intense maritime agitation felt throughout the country, leaving Portugal on yellow alert.
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In the Algarve, the strong waves destroyed the walkways at Praia de Faro.
In the north, in Póvoa de Varzim, several damages were recorded. A bar had part of its structure destroyed, including sofas and some decors.
Meanwhile, at Praia do Moledo in Caminha, the waves ‘swallowed’ the sand, as noted by several netizens on social media.
Mainland Portugal was under a yellow alert due to maritime agitation from 6 a.m. on Tuesday, August 26, until 6 a.m. today, Wednesday, August 27.
Despite official warnings, many risked visiting beaches or taking photos near giant waves.
At Boca do Inferno in Cascais, numerous tourists approached the cliff seeking the best photo of the maritime agitation, ignoring clearly visible ‘Danger’ signs on site.
As reported by the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), the sea is calmer today, although caution along the coast is advised.
