Portugal is facing a severe weather crisis as officials begin the evacuation of approximately 9,000 residents in Coimbra due to the risk of flooding. This situation arose after a dam broke on Thursday, leading to the overflow of the Mondego River. The floodwaters have caused significant damage, including the destruction of a section of the A-1 highway, which is the primary route connecting Lisbon and Porto.

Over the past weeks, the country has been battered by a series of storms, exacerbating the risk of flooding and prompting the government of Luís Montenegro to declare a state of calamity in 68 municipalities. The consequences of these adverse weather conditions have already resulted in 16 fatalities, raising concerns among the local population and officials about the safety measures needed to protect residents.

As the situation develops, authorities are working to inform and assist those in affected areas while also assessing the broader implications of climate change on similar events in the future. The evacuation in Coimbra highlights the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure and emergency preparedness as extreme weather events become increasingly common.