After heavy rains: heavy flooding in Portugal

Heavy rains have caused severe flooding in the capital of Portugal, Lisbon. Roads and tunnels were flooded and in some places people were trapped in their homes. Meteorologists have announced more rain.

Several areas of the Portuguese capital Lisbon are under water, following renewed heavy rainfall. The city administration announced a red alert and called on residents and commuters to stay at home.

Many roads had to be closed. Tunnels and underpasses were full. According to Portuguese public broadcaster Radiotelevisao Portuguesa (RTP), a landslide buried a vehicle on a motorway and its occupants were taken to hospital.

Mayor: Chaotic Situation

Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, spoke of a “chaotic” situation at times, according to the Lusa news agency. Many streets in the metropolis are impassable because the tunnels are under water. Metro also runs within a limited radius. People were told not to come out of their homes if possible.

Moedas stressed that no casualties have been reported so far, but some people have been rescued from their homes. A supermarket near the Tagus River was evacuated and 16 people were rescued from homes in the Alcantara district, the AFP news agency reported. Civil Defense Commander Andre Fernandes spoke of a “complex” situation.

Portugal was already hit by severe flooding last week, and a 50-year-old man died in a cellar. “We have never seen it happen so quickly,” Mayor Moedas was quoted as saying by the Lusa news agency.

no relief yet

The weather services have once again predicted heavy rain throughout the day and into Wednesday. The situation therefore remains tense for the time being, as the rains increase the risk of fresh landslides in the region.

The neighboring country of Spain was also flooded. Water has flooded the streets of Andalusia. The heavy rains follow months of drought in Portugal and Spain. Last summer was also one of the hottest since weather records began. Experts also blame climate change for such extreme weather events.