Heavy rains force 3, 000 people to leave Coimbra

Heavy showers have struck the northern rural regions of Portugal, compounding a series of severe storms that began in late January. The recent downpours threaten the levees surrounding Coimbra, a city renowned for its medieval walls and university, prompting officials to relocate roughly 3,000 residents to safer locations.

Recent Weather Catastrophe

• Storm Impact: Roofs ripped off homes, towns flooded, and power outages lasted days.
• Casualties: At least 15 deaths, including indirect fatalities linked to the weather.
• Atmospheric River: A long channel of moist air delivered additional water vapor, intensifying the situation.

Coimbra’s Heritage at Risk

• The city wall, perched on a hill and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, collapsed in one section.
• The collapse blocked a lower road and forced the city market to close.
• Police continue inspecting homes, moving people to shelters.

Potential for Further Flooding

A regional civil protection officer warned that the Aguieira dam—located about 35 km northeast of Coimbra—could overflow. An overflow could breach levees, spreading flooding further.

Political Response

• The Prime Minister was slated to visit Coimbra for emergency coordination.
• The Interior Minister resigned earlier after criticism over the slow response to previous storms, citing "Kristin" as a key concern.

Central Portugal Evacuations

• Near Lisbon, authorities evacuated the village of Porto Brandão due to landslide risk.
• Approximately 30 residents were moved after a landslide struck the nearby Caparica beach area.