The current situation was detailed by the National Commander of Emergency and Civil Protection, Mário Silvestre, to journalists at the ANEPC headquarters in Carnaxide, Oeiras, Lisbon district, at 1:30 PM. He highlighted floods, structural collapses, fallen trees, and roadway clearances as the most frequent occurrences, while also noting three land rescues and five aquatic rescues.
Regarding casualties, the commander reported two fatalities in Fernão Ferro, Seixal, Setúbal district, due to flooding in a residence, and a minor injury following a tree fall in Serpa, Beja district.
On the number of displaced individuals, Silvestre indicated five in the Médio Tejo region, in the municipality of Abrantes, and four in Lezíria do Tejo, in the locality of Glória do Ribatejo, Salvaterra de Magos, both in the Santarém district.
The ANEPC commander reported an “extreme wind phenomenon” in the Nisa municipality (Portalegre district), which is believed to have caused damage to 10 homes and the electrical grid.
Damages were also reported in Silves (Faro district) and Fundão (Castelo Branco district), affecting roofs and structures.
For the coming hours, Mário Silvestre advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel, secure loose objects, and keep drainage systems clear, warning of risks in forested and coastal areas due to predicted strong winds and high waves.
“Avoid parking close to the sea. From a driving perspective, adopt defensive driving, reduce speed, and be cautious of water on roads.
There have been skidding incidents and multiple traffic accidents, mainly caused by water accumulation on public roads,” he warned.
He also highlighted that Civil Protection is in constant communication with IPMA (Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere) and is prepared to reinforce the deployment if conditions worsen, particularly along the coast, where winds are expected to intensify in the coming hours.
Depression Cláudia has been affecting mainland Portugal and the archipelago of Madeira with heavy rain, winds, and strong maritime agitation since Wednesday, according to IPMA.
IPMA issued a red warning, the most severe, for periods of heavy and persistent rain in the districts of Santarém, Setúbal (until 10:00 AM), and Faro (until 3:00 PM).
Since 3:00 PM, the districts of Beja and Faro are under an orange warning, while the rest of the mainland remains under a yellow warning.
