The historic city of Coimbra and several nearby towns in central Portugal are in a state of emergency due to the advancing severe floods affecting the country after weeks of heavy rains. Authorities have ordered the preventive evacuation of thousands of residents, especially in areas close to the Mondego river, following the breach of a containment dam in the Casais area, on the outskirts of the city.
The breach of the river defense infrastructure, caused by the exceptionally high river flow, has led the Civil Protection forces to evacuate approximately 3,000 to 3,600 people from rural and low-lying urban areas due to the risk of water overflowing and reaching inhabited areas.
The evacuations are part of an operation that also includes constant monitoring of other vulnerable points along the river and the preparation of shelters and evacuation routes. Additionally, local authorities have warned that up to 9,000 people could be affected if a "hundred-year" flood occurs, an extraordinary event of great magnitude that could bring water towards the city center.
The storm has had a significant impact on infrastructure: a section of the A1 motorway, the main route between Lisbon and Oporto, collapsed after the dam gave way, leading to the closure of the road and traffic diversion while repair works are planned, which could take weeks.
These floods are part of a series of extreme weather events that have hit the country since late January, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and thousands displaced in various regions due to river overflows, landslides, and damage to homes and basic services.
Authorities have urged the population to follow official instructions, avoid unnecessary travel, and remain calm while monitoring the river's evolution, as persistent rains are expected, and the situation is anticipated to evolve in the coming days.