Part of downtown Alcácer do Sal in the district of Setúbal has been evacuated after rising water levels in the Sado River led to renewed flooding along the waterfront, local Civil Protection authorities confirmed. The evacuation order affects several streets in the historic centre, including Avenida dos Aviadores, after the river once again overflowed its banks. According to the sub-regional commander for Emergency and Civil Protection in Alentejo Litoral, Tiago Bugio, the situation worsened despite tidal changes throughout the day.
Speaking to national media, the commander explained that at around 5:30 pm, during low tide, the river was already above normal levels. He noted that from high tide to low tide there was no visible decrease in the river level. Instead, the water continued to rise, creating further concern among authorities monitoring the situation.
Avenida dos Aviadores had already been flooded earlier in the day. With another high tide forecast around midnight, Civil Protection officials decided to evacuate the most vulnerable parts of the downtown area as a precaution. Authorities fear conditions could mirror or even surpass those experienced last Friday, when floodwaters reached higher levels and caused greater disruption.
The entire waterfront zone remains underwater, prompting the suspension of clean up operations that had begun after previous floodwaters receded. In recent days, some residents who had temporarily left their homes as a precaution had returned once conditions appeared to stabilise. However, the renewed surge in water levels has forced authorities to reassess the risk.
Despite the evacuation order, officials clarified that there has been no need to remove residents from upper floors of residential buildings. Most ground floor spaces in the affected area are occupied commercial establishments such as shops, banks and restaurants. According to Civil Protection, residents living on upper levels have been warned about the evolving situation, but so far no one has formally requested assistance to leave their homes. Authorities believe that anyone who chose to relocate has likely done so independently, seeking shelter with relatives.
Emergency teams remain on site, closely monitoring the Sado River and assessing potential impacts as tidal conditions shift. The outlook for the following morning has been described as pessimistic, with expectations that water levels may increase further if discharge volumes and tidal pressure continue to combine.
The situation is being compounded discharges from seven dams upstream along the Sado River basin. These include Vale de Gaio, Pego do Altar, Odivelas, Campilhas, Alvito, Fonte Serne and Roxo. The controlled releases, while necessary for dam safety, contribute to the increased flow downstream, intensifying pressure on low lying urban areas such as Alcácer do Sal. Local authorities continue to coordinate response measures while advising residents and business owners to remain alert and follow official guidance.
