Portugal has initiated a preventive evacuation of over 9,000 residents in Coimbra and surrounding areas due to flooding risk following the break of a containment dam caused by heavy rains.
The historic city of Coimbra and nearby towns in central Portugal are facing emergency conditions due to severe flooding after weeks of intense rainfall. Authorities have ordered the preventive evacuation of thousands of residents, especially in areas close to the Mondego River, after a containment dam broke in the outskirts of the city. Civil Protection officials are taking urgent measures to safeguard inhabitants as the situation escalates.
On Friday, the Portuguese Civil Protection agency announced that they are preparing to evacuate around 9,000 people. This number adds to approximately 3,600 individuals who had already been evacuated on Wednesday from localities including Coimbra, Montemor-o-Velho, and Soure, just before the river overflowed. According to Rui Oliveira, the Operations Officer of Portugal's National Emergency Authority and Civil Protection (ANEPC), the situation remains critical as forecasts predict further river rises and adverse weather conditions.
This emergency response highlights the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and increasing weather extremes, particularly in regions vulnerable to flooding. The government's decisive actions demonstrate a commitment to protecting residents, but also underscore the need for long-term solutions to address infrastructure resilience against such natural disasters. Immediate safety measures are crucial as communities prepare for potential future incidents that may arise from the persisting unfavorable weather.
