48% of Portugal is in a situation of severe or extreme drought, compared to 100% last year at this time of year, Environment Minister Duarte Cordeiro said this Friday. The most serious situation is observed in the south of the country, the official said after a meeting of the Standing Commission for the Prevention, Monitoring and Elimination of the Consequences of Drought.
Forecasts by the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) point to some precipitation in the coming weeks, which will “help the country” but will not change the drought situation, the minister said. The Alentejo coast and the Algarve region, in particular Barlavento, are the most critical and “most stressful” areas for drought, Duarte Cordeiro said. The reservoirs are 72% full versus 58% in August 2022 and 57% in October, at the beginning of the hydrological year. The volume of water in the dams in the Algarve at this time of the year is 30% less than last year. Meanwhile, next year the capacity of the Odeluca dam will be increased.
Enhanced check has already issued fines
Environment Minister Duarte Cordeiro said that the new aquifer in the Algarve (Cerença Silves) will be tested with monitoring of all water withdrawals, namely checking for misuse of wells. According to the minister, the verification of aquifers has been stepped up, resulting in the initiation of cases of administrative offenses and notices of administrative settlement.
Enhanced check has already issued fines
Environment Minister Duarte Cordeiro said that the new aquifer in the Algarve (Cerença Silves) will be tested with monitoring of all water withdrawals, namely checking for misuse of wells. According to the minister, the verification of aquifers has been stepped up, resulting in the initiation of cases of administrative offenses and notices of administrative settlement.
Author: Raquel Oliveira This Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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