APPAA calls for urgent clearing of roads and streams to prevent flooding
Azores GuideThe environmental association says blocked drainage, unchecked vegetation and debris raise the risk of flooding and flash floods on several islands.
APPAA has called for the urgent cleaning of road verges and streams to prevent flooding, saying there have been complaints on several islands about poor maintenance of roads, agricultural paths and forest roads.
The association said drainage is not being carried out on these routes because soil and vegetation cover the verges. It said shrub vegetation often occupies part of the carriageway, making it difficult for two vehicles to pass, while ditches and drains are covered or blocked and cannot carry rainwater properly.
APPAA said torrential rain will recur with greater intensity and frequency because of climate change. It said paved or cemented forest and agricultural roads increase the volume and speed of runoff, leaving slopes more exposed to erosion and landslides or earth and vegetation slippage.
Uncontrolled vegetation growth and debris in water lines, including main streams, aggravate the danger of floods and flash floods, APPAA said. The association called for regional secretariats, IROA and local authorities to mobilise staff and equipment to remove materials and vegetation blocking verges, ditches, drains and the free flow of water.
APPAA said urgent decisions are needed because preventing disaster is more advantageous than repairing the damage. It also questioned whether frequent grass cutting in roundabouts and streets should be a priority use of human and physical resources.
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Azores Guide
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