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

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.