Portugal is suffering from floods. Coimbra evacuates thousands of people

Portugal has not seen any relief even after a series of devastating storms. On Wednesday, the north of the country was hit by further torrential rains brought by a phenomenon known as an atmospheric river.

In Coimbra and its surroundings, the Mondego River and the Aguieira Dam are in danger of overflowing, so the authorities have evacuated about 3,000 residents as a precaution. The police are checking houses door to door and transporting people to safety.

Since the end of January, extreme weather has claimed at least 15 lives, damaged hundreds of homes, and left thousands of households without electricity. According to civil protection authorities, the situation may worsen.

In historic Coimbra, part of the city's fortifications collapsed, and the market and some roads were closed. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro is overseeing the crisis management, while the interior minister faces political consequences for her criticized response to the previous storm, Kristin.

Evacuations were also carried out in other areas, including Porto Brandao and Caparica.

(reuters, pir)