APPAA urges urgent clearing of Azores roads and watercourses
Azores GuideThe environmental association says blocked drains, overgrown verges and debris in water lines raise the risk of flooding, erosion and landslides during heavy rain.
The Associação para a Promoção e Proteção Ambiental dos Açores (APPAA) has warned of an urgent need to clear road verges and watercourses across the Azores. It said it had received complaints on several islands about poor maintenance of roads, agricultural paths and forest tracks.
APPAA said soil and vegetation covering verges are restricting drainage and, in many cases, encroaching on carriageways, making it difficult for two vehicles to pass. It said material building up in ditches and drains prevents rainwater from running off properly, while intense rainfall could send water across pavements with greater volume and speed.
The association said paved or cemented forest and agricultural routes can increase the speed and volume of runoff, sending water towards slopes or roads and increasing the risk of erosion and landslides. It also warned that unchecked vegetation and debris in water lines, including main streams, worsen the danger of floods and flash floods.
APPAA called on responsible bodies to act quickly, proposing that regional secretariats, IROA and local municipalities mobilise people and equipment to remove blockages from verges, ditches and drains. Correio dos Açores reported that complaints in São Miguel are constant, particularly on social networks.
Sources
Azores Guide
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