Severe Weather in Algarve: Train Derails and Woman Rescued from Floodwaters
Público10 months ago
3920

Severe Weather in Algarve: Train Derails and Woman Rescued from Floodwaters

Local
algarve
flooding
weather
rescue
civilprotection
Share this content:

Summary:

  • Algarve railway line closed due to train derailment caused by heavy rains.

  • A woman rescued from the Alfandanga stream by locals after falling in.

  • Flooding in Tavira leads to water entering homes and garages.

  • Emergency responders active in Tavira with multiple rescues conducted.

  • Yellow weather warning issued for Faro and Beja due to expected heavy showers.

Severe Disruptions in Algarve Due to Heavy Rain

The Algarve railway line is currently closed near Fuzeta (Olhão) following a train derailment caused by stones on the tracks dislodged by heavy rains. The National Road 125 was reopened to traffic at 11:30 AM after being closed due to flooding in the Luz de Tavira area, as reported by the Civil Protection.

On Saturday morning, a woman was rescued by locals after falling into the Alfandanga stream in Olhão, one of the hardest-hit areas by the intense rainfall in the past 24 hours. She was subsequently taken care of by the Tavira emergency medical ambulance and transported to the Local Health Unit of Algarve.

Emergency Response and Rescues

On Friday, two individuals were displaced in Castro Marim, and two others required rescue in Tavira; one was trapped inside a vehicle in the Almargem stream, while the other was rescued from a home.

Flooding Impact

The heavy rainfall has led to flooding in low-lying areas of Tavira, with water entering garages and homes. The most critical situation was noted in Luz de Tavira, where water infiltrated the church. Carlos Botelho from the Tavira Municipal Firefighters reported that the streams overflowed, leading to soil erosion and wall collapses. Currently, about 15 emergency responders are on the scene, supported by seven vehicles.

In the São Domingos parish, north of Tavira, access to the Cachopo area is cut off due to flooding. The overflowing stream that leads to the Gilão River has exacerbated the situation. Botelho stated that such occurrences are typical during intense rainfall, though local authorities had cleared water channels to mitigate risks. With the tide receding, conditions are expected to normalize, as there was no rain reported in the morning, and the streams are decreasing in volume.

Ongoing Road Closures

Road closures remain in effect for Municipal Road 514-2 at the São Domingos Bridge, Municipal Road 516-2 between Moncarapacho and Alfandanga, and National Road 397 between Tavira and Cachopo, according to the Algarve Regional Command.

The Faro district municipality has reported several requests for assistance from the Municipal Firefighters, responding to 20 requests and conducting two animal rescues. From midnight to 8 AM, adverse weather conditions prompted 148 incidents in the Algarve, involving 441 responders and 178 ground units, but fortunately, no injuries or personal damages were reported.

Weather Alerts

The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued a yellow warning for the Faro and Beja districts due to forecasts of heavy showers, which may be accompanied by thunderstorms and hail, valid until 1 PM today.

Updated at 1:48 PM with the reopening of EN 125.

Comments

0

Join Our Community

Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!

Newsletter

Subscribe our newsletter to receive our daily digested news

Join our newsletter and get the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox.

OR
PortugalToday.news logo

PortugalToday.news

Get PortugalToday.news on your phone!

Other Latest News

Lisbon's Groundbreaking Literary Festival Empowers Children and Teens to Take the Stage

Lisbon's Groundbreaking Literary Festival Empowers Children and Teens to Take the Stage

1 hour ago
840
Government's Bold Move: High-Performance Centers to Attract Obstetricians and Save Emergency Services

Government's Bold Move: High-Performance Centers to Attract Obstetricians and Save Emergency Services

2 hours ago
910
Inexperienced Leader at Garcia de Orta Hospital: Who is Pedro Azevedo and Why the Crisis Persists?

Inexperienced Leader at Garcia de Orta Hospital: Who is Pedro Azevedo and Why the Crisis Persists?

3 hours ago
860
Kairat Almaty's Epic 6928km Journey to Lisbon Sets Champions League Record

Kairat Almaty's Epic 6928km Journey to Lisbon Sets Champions League Record

9 hours ago
890
Unraveling the Mystery: Why Are Orcas 'Attacking' Boats Off Portugal's Coast?

Unraveling the Mystery: Why Are Orcas 'Attacking' Boats Off Portugal's Coast?

4 hours ago
970
Pedro Costa Malheiro Aims to Restore Pride to Lisbon's Olivais District in Upcoming Election

Pedro Costa Malheiro Aims to Restore Pride to Lisbon's Olivais District in Upcoming Election

13 hours ago
840
Mysterious Pen Drive Scandal: How Did Sensitive Data End Up with Portugal's Former PM?

Mysterious Pen Drive Scandal: How Did Sensitive Data End Up with Portugal's Former PM?

10 hours ago
820
Experience Unforgettable Sunsets and Live Music at Lisbon's Iconic Rooftop Bar This September

Experience Unforgettable Sunsets and Live Music at Lisbon's Iconic Rooftop Bar This September

12 hours ago
830
Why Americans Are Flocking to Portugal: Safety, Healthcare, and EU Freedom Beckon

Why Americans Are Flocking to Portugal: Safety, Healthcare, and EU Freedom Beckon

7 hours ago
900
Algarve 2030: €6M EU Fund Boosts Climate Resilience in Portugal's Vulnerable Region

Algarve 2030: €6M EU Fund Boosts Climate Resilience in Portugal's Vulnerable Region

18 hours ago
960
Sephora's First Street Store in Lisbon Opens in Historic Baixa District

Sephora's First Street Store in Lisbon Opens in Historic Baixa District

17 hours ago
930
Tourist Trains Collide in Algarve: 14 Injured, Including Minor, in Scenic Beach Area

Tourist Trains Collide in Algarve: 14 Injured, Including Minor, in Scenic Beach Area

19 hours ago
1040
André Ventura Shakes Up Portuguese Politics with Presidential Bid Announcement

André Ventura Shakes Up Portuguese Politics with Presidential Bid Announcement

21 hours ago
990
Orcas Sink Tourist Yacht Off Portugal's Coast in Dramatic Attack Caught on Video

Orcas Sink Tourist Yacht Off Portugal's Coast in Dramatic Attack Caught on Video

20 hours ago
1180
Massive Drug Bust in Algarve: Over 700 Doses Seized in Just One Week

Massive Drug Bust in Algarve: Over 700 Doses Seized in Just One Week

22 hours ago
930
Portugal's Government Pushes for Major Labor Law Overhaul with No Red Lines in Negotiations

Portugal's Government Pushes for Major Labor Law Overhaul with No Red Lines in Negotiations

23 hours ago
830
InDireita Street Fest Celebrates First Anniversary with Fifth Edition in Portimão's Historic Heart

InDireita Street Fest Celebrates First Anniversary with Fifth Edition in Portimão's Historic Heart

1 day ago
940