Porto, Feb. 10, 2026 (Lusa) - The situation on the River Douro "is stable," but it is estimated that the water will return to the banks this week, said the deputy commander of the Douro River Authority, praising the activation of the Municipal Emergency Plans of Porto and Gaia.
In a statement to the Lusa news agency at around 7:30 a.m., Pedro Cervaens said that the river, which flooded the areas of Miragaia and Ribeira in Porto and Afurada in Vila Nova de Gaia last Friday, has been "stable" with a "balanced situation" and a "not very high" level, but "always requiring "a lot of attention".
"I believe that if the rain continues as it is now during the day, it will rise. We have a phenomenon at the moment: the tides are currently low. Compared to last week, we have a height difference of more than one metre, so this week we have a cushion for the same flow. This does not mean that the water will not reach [the shore]. I believe that at least Miragaia may be affected by water," he said.
The municipality of Porto will have the Municipal Civil Protection Emergency Plan (PMEPC) in place until 11:59 pm on Sunday, after the government placed 48 municipalities in a state of contingency due to the occurrence or high risk of flooding, as reported on Monday.
Vila Nova de Gaia has also activated the Municipal Civil Protection Emergency Plan (PMEPC) until Sunday, according to an order dated Saturday and published on Monday on the local authority's website.
"Several municipalities have implemented the Municipal Emergency Plan, which is good because it facilitates coordination between the various entities. It was something that was already happening, but this formalises it and naturally obliges people to comply with the procedures that each plan has," said the deputy commander of the Douro Port Authority today.
Bad weather, including heavy rain, wind, and rough seas, led the Douro Port Authority to issue a red alert for flood risk.
Fifteen people have died in Portugal since 28 January as a result of the passage of storms Kristin, Leonardo and Marta, which also caused many hundreds of injuries and displaced people.
The total or partial destruction of homes, businesses and equipment, the fall of trees and structures, the closure of roads, schools and transport services, and the cutting of power, water and communications, floods and inundations are the main material consequences of the storm.
The Central, Lisbon and Tagus Valley and Alentejo regions are the most affected.
The Government has extended the state of emergency until the 15th for 68 municipalities and announced support measures of up to €2.5 billion.
PFT/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
