The municipal council of Câmara de Lobos is reinforcing its Civil Protection services and preparing emergency shelters. Storm Charles is expected to hit Madeira over the coming days. Community centers across the municipality and the school pavilion in Curral das Freiras are being readied to take in residents if temporary rehousing becomes necessary.
The response brings together the Civil Protection, Environment and Social Action services, working alongside the Volunteer Firefighters of Câmara de Lobos. The priority is to get ahead of risk situations, put teams on the ground and make sure the municipality can respond to any incidents.
Red Rain Warning Covers the South Coast From 21:00 Tuesday
Portugal's weather service, IPMA, has placed the south coast of Madeira under a red warning for rain. It runs from 21:00 on Tuesday, 10 November, until 06:00 on Wednesday, 11 November, due to forecasts of strong, persistent rain.
An orange wind warning also applies to the south coast, running from 21:00 on Tuesday to midday on Wednesday. Gusts there could reach 100 km/h.
Mountains face red alert too, with gusts forecast up to 140 km/h there.
The council's president, Celso Bettencourt, who also holds responsibility for the municipality's Civil Protection, said preparation needs to translate into concrete action.
This meeting has to result in teams on the ground, equipment ready and clear responses. We have to anticipate the problems and be ready to step in wherever necessary.
Celso Bettencourt, president of Câmara de Lobos municipal council
Curral das Freiras School Pavilion Prepared as a Shelter
On the social side, the council is preparing to offer temporary shelter at community centers if residents need to be evacuated from their homes. In Curral das Freiras, the plan is to use the local school's pavilion as an emergency shelter space, should conditions require it.
Celso Bettencourt said protecting people is the priority.
Our priority is to protect people. We are preparing the municipality's resources, coordinating the response with firefighters and organizing support for anyone who may need to leave their home.
Celso Bettencourt, president of Câmara de Lobos municipal council
Crews Reinforce Checks on Drains and Levadas After Storm Bruna
As it did during storm Bruna, the council is stepping up cleaning and inspection of critical points across the municipality. It is paying particular attention to gutters, levadas and drainage areas. Monitoring will also cover trees and walls at risk of falling or collapsing.
The council may also restrict access to areas of greatest exposure, including stretches of the coastline, whenever safety conditions require it.
Command Post Joins Civil Protection With Volunteer Firefighters
The council is increasing its Civil Protection team and setting up a command post together with the Volunteer Firefighters of Câmara de Lobos. The structure is meant to centralize information, track incidents and coordinate the mobilization of resources.
Staff from the Environment Division will also join the response on the ground. On Wednesday, 11 November, observation teams are due to identify and report incidents, to help the council prioritize and direct its resources.
The council also confirmed that, on Wednesday, staff in compatible roles will switch to telework, while minimum services and on-the-ground operational response remain in place.
Residents Told to Avoid the Coastline and Flooded Roads
The council is urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the period of worst weather. It also asked people to stay away from the coastline and not to cross flooded areas, whether on foot or by car.
The council further asked residents to respect all access restrictions, follow updates through official channels, and report any risk situations to the authorities. In an emergency, the number to call is 112.
Source: jm-madeira.pt
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