The river’s flow doubled in just a few hours due to unexpected dam releases that were not planned until early this morning, according to MedioTejo. The situation poses a potential risk to communities along the riverbanks and has required immediate emergency measures in several municipalities.

Flooding Update – Abrantes, 6 February

1:30 pm | School Closures
All schools in the city of Abrantes will be closed on Friday, 6 February. Civil Protection made the decision as a precaution, since it is not yet possible to predict whether roads in the municipality will be safe to travel on tomorrow. Earlier this morning, parents of students living on the south bank of the Tagus River were already asked to pick up their children.

1:00 pm | Evacuations
Authorities are evacuating low-lying areas of the municipality as river levels continue to rise. The neighbourhoods affected include Rossio ao Sul do Tejo, Cabrito, Arrifana, Rio de Moinhos, and Alvega. Civil Protection is urging residents in these riverside homes to turn off their electrical panels as a precaution to ensure their safety.

12:00 pm | Red Alert Declared
“Until 5:00 am, we were only expecting flows from the Fratel, Pracana, and Castelo de Bode dams of around 3,500 cubic meters per second at Almourol. But overnight, the situation changed dramatically, and flows have now jumped to more than 7,400 cubic meters per second. That’s why we declared a red alert,” said Manuel Jorge Valamatos, President of the Santarém District Civil Protection Commission.

The red alert—the highest of four levels—signals an extreme risk of significant flooding due to severe weather, rising river levels, and dam releases. This level also triggers immediate mobilisation of civil protection resources and highlights the risk of flooding in critical areas, as well as increased landslide and debris hazards.

“Since 9:00 am, we have been coordinating efforts with all regional civil protection services, as well as GNR and PSP, to manage traffic and minimise risks to people and property,” added Valamatos.

Forecast
Water levels on the Tagus River are expected to continue rising in the coming hours.