Latest news and stories about flood risk in government in Portugal for expats and residents.
Civil Protection has issued warnings for flood-risk areas, particularly in the Mondego region, following the collapse of part of the A1 motorway pavement near the Mondego River. The incident occurred after a dyke failure, leading to the closure of the motorway in both directions. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as additional subsidence has been reported due to landslides.
The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority has issued a warning about potential flooding risks near major rivers due to ongoing heavy rainfall expected to last until Wednesday. In response, the municipalities of Coimbra, Soure, and Montemor-o-Velho have activated evacuation plans affecting over 3,000 residents. Additionally, the political landscape has shifted with the resignation of the Minister of Internal Administration, which has been accepted by the President of the Republic.
Authorities in Alcácer do Sal report a 'brutal' and rapid rise in the Sado river's flow but say the situation remains under control. Civil Protection is monitoring conditions, has evacuation plans ready should riverside areas flood, and expects the flow to rise slightly more before beginning a slower fall from around 04:00—timing that will depend on further rainfall and dam management decisions. Updates will hinge on precipitation forecasts and operational releases from upstream infrastructure.
Following post-depression Kristin, the Government has declared a state of calamity for 60 municipalities as Civil Protection warns of an elevated flood risk in the coming days. The measure centralises resources and fast‑tracks emergency funding, placing urgent demands on local services for evacuation planning, infrastructure inspections and continuous minute-by-minute weather monitoring. Authorities urge residents to follow official updates, prepare for possible evacuations and heed flood warnings as forecasts evolve.
Coimbra authorities will begin preparing measures to prevent a potential evacuation after water releases at the Aguieira dam, the mayor told Lusa. Officials will closely monitor river levels and conditions to assess whether evacuation of people and animals becomes necessary and to coordinate public-safety and emergency-response actions if flood risk increases.
The initiative aims to “analyse the flood episodes recently recorded in the Mondego river basin” and promote technical reflection on “flood risk management in Portugal”.
Home News Coimbra prepares for a “100-year flood” Coimbra prepares for a “100-year flood” Ana Abrunhosa, the mayor of Coimbra, warns of the possibility of a “100-year flood” on the Mondego River. By Bruno G.
The Navy has 47 boats “ready and positioned” to provide immediate support to the population in riverside areas at risk of flooding, announced this branch of the Armed Forces today.
Civil Protection is urging caution for populations in flood risk areas, with the Mondego region being the most concerning for authorities. Here, we provide minute-by-minute updates on the weather conditions in Portugal.
Civil Protection urges the public to stay away from riverbanks due to the high risk of flooding.
Flooding of the Mondego River will also necessitate the closure of several schools in the municipality.
The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority warns of a flood risk near the country's main rivers due to persistent rain expected until Wednesday.
Authorities warn the public about the risk of flooding.
The Coruche municipal council has activated the Municipal Emergency and Civil Protection Plan following Storm Kristin, which brought heavy rainfall and a sharp rise in levels of the Sorraia River, increasing the risk of flooding and inundation.
The mayor of Coimbra calls for animals, cars and other belongings to be removed from areas at risk of flooding. Meanwhile, INEM acknowledges failures in pre-hospital emergency response.
Ana Paula Mota, mayor of Álcacer do Sal, says there is no one living in the houses close to the river that could be flooded as a result of the bad weather.
Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho singles out the River Mondego as the biggest concern in Portugal. She nevertheless says the authorities are ready to respond.
Commander Jorge Mendes warns of intense rain from 03:00, with saturated ground and an increased risk of flash floods in the northern districts, especially in the Douro River area. Civil Protection recommends avoiding riverside areas and the coastline, emphasising that the management of dam discharges is being coordinated with the high tide.
The decision is due to the heavy rainfall expected and its hydrological impacts, particularly regarding floods and inundations.
The Government today extended the state of calamity to nine more municipalities and extended its duration until 8 February, following the damage caused by Storm Kristin and the extreme risk of flooding in the coming days.
The Emergency and Civil Protection Command of Lisbon and the Tagus Valley says elevated flows in the Tagus River and its tributaries are expected to continue, linked to the current weather conditions.
The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection warns of severe weather forecasts and a high risk of flooding in several river basins. In a statement to journalists on Sunday, Commander Mário Silvestre called for self-protection measures, stressing that soils are saturated and have no capacity to retain more water.
Hydrobiologist Adriano Bordalo e Sá warns of a dangerous combination of factors, with precipitation well above average and delayed releases from dams. The specialist says the management of the bad-weather crisis should have been preventive and criticises the loss of public control over strategic infrastructure.
The Coimbra District Civil Protection Commission is calling for calm and for residents of the Baixo Mondego to prepare as weather conditions worsen. Helena Teodósio pledges full coordination between agencies and reiterates the call to comply with official warnings and to protect people and property.
An APA official also warned that on 2 and 3 February the tidal range will be 'higher', making it essential on those dates to be able to lower the flow of the Douro River.
The minister expressed deep concern for the Mondego, Douro, Águeda and Tagus regions.
Maria da Graça Carvalho confirms that releases were carried out from the dams to cope with the heavy rain approaching the country.
Releases at the Aguieira Dam are causing concern among authorities
Ana Abrunhosa, vice-president of the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities, explains the monitoring being carried out by firefighters and the GNR in the area.
There will be a week of intense, persistent rain across mainland Portugal, especially in the north and centre, areas already affected by the low‑pressure system ‘Kristin’. Civil Protection warns people to remove belongings and animals from flood‑prone areas and recommends preventive measures, while the APA anticipates higher‑than‑usual river flows in several catchments.
