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In only nine days, most of the reservoirs have recovered part of their volume, but not enough. Storm Felix is due to bring more rain and high seas until Monday

The rain that has fallen on the mainland since the end of February has already increased water storage in reservoirs. Of the 61 monitored reservoirs, 10 now have availability of more than 80% of their total volume (five more than on February 28) and 12 have availability of less than 40%, when at the beginning of the month they were less than 23%.

The situation, however, is still is not resolved, and even with storm Felix resulting in damage, especially in Lisbon, “the precipitation is not enough to say that the drought is over,” Francisco Ferreira, president of the environmental association ZERO, told DNF.

Especially in the south of the country, dam levels are still very low. In the Sado basin, for example, there are eight reservoirs that remain in this situation, such as Campilhas, which has only 7% of its total availability, Monte da Rocha (10%), Monte Miguéis (12%) or Vale de Gaio (22%). In the Tagus basin the most depleted reservoir is Divor, with only 16% of the volume, and in the Guadiana basin there are three with levels below 28%

In the same vein, Environment Minister João Pedro Matos Fernandes considers that it is necessary to continue to take care of water consumption because, although rain has been restoring water levels in dams, this has taken place very slowly “as he told reporters yesterday.

“We have to separate the country in half,” said the minister, quoted by Lusa. “To the north of the Tagus River, the dams are very close to their maximum capacity and some have already reached them,” he told reporters, at a conference on climate change organized by the Order of Engineers.

Already in the south of the country, although there are “water slots every day”, there are still worrying situations, such as the Monte da Rocha dam in the municipality of Ourique, which supplies “a vast group of inhabitants”, and that is still only 9.6% of its capacity, said the official, noting that “the soil was very dry and absorbed a lot of water.”

Therefore, he stressed, although the weather forecasts are more rain for the next few days, “the concern about drought and the responsibility of each one does not change at all.”

1. SITUATION

According to the information provided by the IPMA, the weather is expected to worsen in the coming days, with heavy precipitation, thunderstorms, higher wind with the possibility of extreme occurrences, aggravated by high seas along the coast. The following is forecast:

• Strong and persistent precipitation in the whole territory from dawn Friday 9^th until Sunday (March 11), especially in Minho and Douro Litoral regions, which may also include the districts of Vila Real, Viseu and Aveiro. Accumulated rainfall may reach 40-60 mm / 12 hours, with the most critical period occurring between 3:00 pm and 9:00 pm on 9^th March.
• Moderate to strong wind (up to 55 km / h) from the south quadrant, with gusts up to 85 km / h on the coast, and up to 110 km / h in the highlands. Possibility of extreme winds, more likely to occur in the South of the country.
• South-west high seas along the coast, with wave height reaching 4-5 meters, starting at 6pm tomorrow 9th. On Sunday, the sea state is expected to increase with waves exceeding 7 meters on the west coast and maximum peaks of up to 14 meters.

Follow the weather forecasts on www.ipma.pt

 

2. EXPECTED EFFECTS

In view of the situation described above, the following effects may occur:

• Slippery road surface and possible formation of water and ice patches;
• Possibility of rapid flooding in urban areas, due to the accumulation of rainwater or insufficient drainage systems;
• Possibility of flooding by transhipment of water lines in the most vulnerable areas;
• Floods of underground urban structures with drainage deficiencies;
• Damage to mounted or suspended structures;
• Drainage problems in urban systems, especially those occurring during periods of high tide, and may cause flooding in the most vulnerable places;
• Possibility of falling branches or trees due to stronger wind;
• Possible coastal shoreline accidents;
• Geomorphological phenomena caused by instability of slopes associated with soil saturation, due to loss of consistency.

 

3. PREVENTIVE MEASURES

 

The ANPC advises people to take appropriate measures to mitigate the effect of bad weather on daily life, especially in the historically most vulnerable areas of the territory.

• Ensure clearing of rainwater drainage systems and removal of aggregates and other objects that may be dragged or obstruct the free flow of water;
• Adopt a defensive driving, reducing the speed and taking special care with the possible accumulation of snow and the formation of water patches on roads;
• Do not cross flooded areas in order to avoid people or vehicles falling into holes in the pavement or open sewers;
• Ensure adequate attachment of loose structures, namely scaffolding, placards and other suspended structures;
• Take special care in passing by or staying near wooded areas, being aware of the possibility of falling branches and trees, due to a stronger wind;
• Take special care in the circulation along the coastline and riverside areas historically more vulnerable to coastal gullies, avoiding if possible passing through or staying in these places;
• Do not engage in sea-related activities, such as sport fishing, water sports and seafront walks, and avoid parking vehicles very close to the seafront;
• Be alert to weather information and Civil Protection and Security Forces indications.

According to the latest update of the weather forecast for Madeira, according to data released by the IPMA, around 1900 hrs on 7^th March, the mountainous regions of the Region are under an orange alert due to the strong wind, expected to be around 130 kph. On the north and south coasts, the warning is set in yellow.

Following the ‘Felix’ depression, which is located north of the Azores archipelago, the IPMA predicts that as of midnight on March 9, this depression will be centred at 47N / 24W, north of the Azores archipelago, but will affect Madeira as well, with an expected atmospheric pressure in its centre reading of 979hPa.

Due to the high winds people are advised to take special care near coastal fronts, and follow local precautionary measures issued by the Civil Protection and police.

On 8^th March the captain of the Port of Porto Santo and local commander of the Maritime Police, in coordination with the Sub-Centre of Coordination of Search and Rescue of Funchal (MRSC Funchal), coordinated an operation to assist a French sailboat, about 2.5 kms south of the port of Ilha Dourada.

Earlier the two crew members contacted the authorities seeking assistance due to their lack of propulsion and not least because of the sea and wind conditions at the high.

The alert was given by 14:22, and the lifeboat ‘AMN-10-SG BARRACUDA’ and the ‘Comandante Veleiro de Andrade’ pilot vessel were launched immediately.

The vessel was then towed to the port of Porto Santo, and the two crew members were in good health, without the need for any medical assistance.

ANPC NOTICE TO THE POPULATION – PRECIPITATION, SNOWFALL, WIND and HIGH SEAS

1. SITUATION

Following the contact with the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) carried out by the National Civil Protection Authority (ANPC), and according to the meteorological information made available, for the coming days, persistent meteorological conditions with strong atmospheric instability will affect the entire mainland territory, namely:

• PRECIPITATION, strong and localized rainfall (> 10 mm / h), will persist over the next few days, intensifying from the end of today (Tuesday) throughout the territory, although more significantly in the regions of the North coast and Center and maybe associated with thunderstorm and hail;
• SNOW FALL, above 400/600 m, will be more significant during the night in the northern and central interior regions, with the level gradually increasing to 28 FEB to 1000/1200 m;
• WIND will be more intense from this afternoon (27 FEB) from the southern quadrant, and will be moderate to strong on the coast and in the highlands with gusts up to 90 km / h. Between 28FEB and 02MAR this is expected to increase with gusts up to 100 km / h in the highlands and 80 km / h in the rest of the territory. Higher localized gusts could occour.
• HIGH SEAS is expected from south-west at 5-7 metres, with maximum in the order of 10/12 metres (with strong surf on the coast) essentially south of Cabo Raso, starting on Monday (28 FEB).

Follow the weather forecasts on www.ipma.pt

 

2. EXPECTABLE EFFECTS

In view of the situation described above, the following effects may occur:

• Slippery road surface and possible formation of water and ice patches;
• Possibility of rapid flooding in urban areas due to accumulation of rainwater or insufficient drainage systems;
• Possibility of flooding by transhipment of water lines in the most vulnerable areas;
• Flooding of underground urban structures due to poor drainage conditions;
• Damage to mounted or suspended structures;
• Drainage problems in urban systems, especially during periods of high tide, and may cause flooding in the most vulnerable places;
• Fallen branches or trees due to strong winds
• Accidents on the coast;
• Instability of slopes due to soil saturation and loss of soil consistency.

 

3. PREVENTIVE MEASURES

The ANPC advises that the impact of these effects can be minimized by taking appropriate steps, and therefore recommends the observation and wide dissemination of the main self-protection measures to address these situations, namely:

• Ensure that rainwater drainage systems are cleared and that there are no items and other objects that can be dragged or obstruct the free flow of water;
• Take care when driving, reducing the speed and taking special care with the possible accumulation of snow and the formation of water patches on roads;
• Avoid crossing flooded areas in order to prevent people or vehicles from falling into holes in the pavement or open sewers;
• Place the snow chains on the vehicles, whenever they move in areas affected by snowfall;
• Ensure loose structures, namely scaffolding, placards and other suspended structures are properly secured;
• Take special care when passing or staying in or near forested areas, being attentive to the fall of branches and trees due to strong winds;
• Take special care in the circulation along the coastline and riverside areas most vulnerable to coastal gullies, avoiding, if possible, passing or staying in these places;
• Avoid carrying our sea activities such as: sport fishing, water sports and walks by the sea, avoiding the parking of vehicles very close to the seafront;

 

KEEP up to weather information and Civil Protection and Security Forces indications

We are all well aware that the greatest threat to internal security that the country faces is the one associated with the risks of fire caused by climate change,” said Prime Minister António Costa on the first day of formation of 600 new GNR military personnel, in the training centre of Portalegre.

“This new course, which we are launching 26^th February 2018, involves a reinforcement of 600 personnel for the GNR with 500 more guard soldiers  joining the Intervention, Protection and Relief Group (GIPPS) and another 100 guard soldiers  joining the Protection of Nature and Environment Service, SEPNA “he said.

The GIPS courses will be held in March and April, and the SEPNA courses will be completed before the start of the critical period of forest fires.

Upon completion this will allow GIPS to expand their operations from 11 districts to all districts on the mainland.

The reinforcement of fire prevention and fire-fighting is also done by the creation of new teams of permanent firefighting personnel in the voluntary fire brigades, so that, within volunteering, there is a nucleus of professionals trained.

There will also be 500 new forest sappers, who throughout the winter and fall will clean up the forest and then proceed during the summer carrying out surveillance, as well as first intervention,” he added.

António Costa announced that he will open a competition for 200 new forest rangers during April, and that there is a reinforcement of commitment by the Armed Forces in situations of great calamity.

António Costa also said that the role of the GNR in supervising the cleaning of forests is not to tax the owners, but to ensure that the cleaning obligations of the forests are fulfilled.

“An untreated forest is a risk to the lives of all, and therefore what is at stake here is not to collect fines, not to prosecute people, but is to ensure that everyone fulfills their obligations,” he said, adding that “what is at stake is if we all contribute to the safety of all”.

Between 5^th – 11^th February the GNR SEPNA unit from the  Territorial Command of Viseu, in Lordosa, in the municipality of Viseu, identified five men and one woman, aged between 40 and 69, for the crime of forest fires. These resulted from burning debris which became out of control.

In the same period, in the parish of Bodiosa, two men were identified for being burned for renovation of the pasture, without having the necessary license. Such Burning is permitted only outside the critical period, and provided the fire risk index is below the high level, with licensing being compulsory in the respective town hall or by the parish council. If it is granted it should be in the presence of an accredited technician to control the burning or, in his / her absence, a team of firefighters or forestry team.

The four forest fire suspects will be heard at the Viseu District Court on February 14.

On 12^th February the Territorial Command of Aveiro, through the Territorial Office of Canedo, yesterday, arrested two men, aged between 34 and 43 years, for robbing the 85-year-old woman in Santa Maria da Feira.

The robbery took place in the victim’s home, with the two suspects entering their residence, forcing her to reveal where she kept the money, through assaulting her in the face. As a result they stole 150 euros in cash and a mobile phone, and then fled.

After obtaining the information of the occurrence of the robbery, the GNR carried out a police operation in order to locate the suspects. After a few minutes, the suspects were detected inside a commercial establishment in the immediate vicinity of the victim’s residence The uspects were in possession of the stolen goods and were immediately detained.

The detainees will be present at the Judicial Court of Santa Maria da Feira, on 14^th February.

According to this report on the Bombeiros website (www.bombeiros.pt), quoting the President of the Portuguese Fireman’s League (LPB) Marta Soares,  firefighters are preparing to boycott the next National Forest Protection Authority’s (ANPC) Special Fire-Fighting Mechanism if the government does not guarantee adequate responses to its demands by the end of February.

“Firefighters will not participate in firefighting reinforcement groups (GRIF and GRUATA and ELAC) nor will captains integrate district structures if the Government does not comply with our proposals,” said Jaime Marta Soares, President of the PFL, at its Extraordinary National Council, meeting held this Saturday in Palmela.

Among the proposals is the creation of 250 Permanent Intervention Teams (EIP) in all fire brigades, in a total of 1,250 elements, with priority in the municipalities with the highest risk index, a number that the Government lowered to 40, “far behind of the real needs, “said Jaime Marta Soares. Also the payment of 50 euros per day for the elements that integrate the device will have to be accepted by the Government, which defined the increase of the current 46 euros for the 48.

“The government is not respecting firefighters, it is taking harmful actions to the people and will keep the boy in their hands,” added the president of the LPB.

The Extraordinary National Council also served to assess the contacts made with the Government in the last two months. “With every discussion we were having we left with one empty hand and another full of nothing,” said Jaime Marta Soares. “The working groups are constituted but drag on for months and the greatest seriousness will be when we reach the critical period,” he warned.

At the start of the meeting, the Porto and Viseu Firefighters Federations had internally approved not to integrate all of the next Special Firefighting Mechanism (DECIF), which led to a decision among all 20 federations. “Until the 28th we will see what happens and from there, all the federations are free to do whatever they want.”

Of the “many hundreds” of earth tremors, only 28 were felt by the population of the central zone of the island of São Miguel

The seismic situation that is affecting the area since Sunday in the central zone of the island of São Miguel, in the Azores, between the Serra de Água de Pau and Lagoa do Congro, “should last a few days, but it is expected that its intensity will decrease in the next hours and over the next few days”, according to Miguel Miranda, President of the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA)” He stressed that “The fact that this seismic crisis occurs in a very limited area of ​​the island “points in this direction”..

Yesterday afternoon, the CIVISA, the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of the University of the Azores, which constantly monitors the monitoring of the geological risks in the Azores, already had “a slight decrease in seismic activity”, as indicated to DN Teresa Ferreira, a research. The situation will continue, however, to be monitored and both experts warn that the population should remain alert to the indications of the regional civil protection service. This, as well as the regional government, who are monitoring the situation at all times (see text on the side).

Seismic activity has intensified in the central part of the island of São Miguel by 23.47 on Sunday (local time) and since then “many hundreds of micro-species have already been recorded” in the area – their final accounts were still at the end of the day, to be completed by CIVISA researchers.

“Only 28 of these earthquakes were felt by the resident population between Água de Pau and Povoação, on the south coast, and between Rabo de Peixe and Fenais da Ajuda, on the north coast,” said Teresa Ferreira. “The most intense of all recorded earthquakes hit 3.1 on the Richter scale and occurred at 06.18 [yesterday], and the last one that was felt still occurred in the morning at 11.25,” the researcher said.