The Municipal Civil Protection Service, in collaboration with the Forest Firefighter Teams and Brigade, has begun implementing operational anticipation measures, particularly in reinforcing emergency stabilization measures for burned areas and enhancing the cleaning and clearing of the drainage system (ditches and aqueducts) on public roads, according to a statement from the municipality.
The council, led by Francisco Alves (PS), emphasizes that the “areas affected by recent rural fires are more exposed and vulnerable to precipitation,” noting that the Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) predicts favorable conditions for showers, sometimes heavy, which may be accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.
The areas affected by the latest rural fires, “which were left without vegetation cover, and with ash accumulated on the surface acting as an impermeable material,” are, according to the municipality, “more exposed and vulnerable to precipitation.”
“The first rains can cause loose objects to be dragged onto roads and waterways, and slope instability, leading to mass movements (landslides, collapses, and others) caused by water infiltration,” warns the municipality.
The Cabeceiras de Basto City Council emphasizes that the impact of these effects can be minimized through the adoption of appropriate behaviors.
“The Municipal Civil Protection recommends adopting preventive measures, namely: clearing rainwater drainage systems and removing debris and other objects that may be dragged or create obstacles to the free flow of water; as well as staying attentive to meteorological information and indications from Civil Protection and Security Forces,” advises the municipality.
The mayor previously told Lusa that the fires consumed “between 4,500 and 5,000 hectares” throughout the municipality, and completely destroyed two houses, one of which was a primary residence, and partially destroyed a third.
Following the fires, IPMA indicated that the districts of Viseu, Vila Real, and Aveiro will be under orange warning between 06:00 and 12:00 on Thursday, and the districts of Porto, Viana do Castelo, and Braga between 18:00 on Wednesday and 09:00 on Thursday.
In response to IPMA’s forecast, the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) warned the population about the risk of floods, landslides, and falling structures and trees.
ANEPC recommended “adopting appropriate behaviors,” such as clearing rainwater drainage systems, properly securing loose structures like scaffolding and panels, and driving defensively on roads, reducing speed and taking “special care when circulating and staying near wooded areas.”
Particularly in areas recently affected by forest fires, where vegetation was burned and the ground covered with ash, ANEPC emphasized the risk of landslides, collapses, and contamination of drinking water sources.
