The continuation of high temperatures, absence of rain, and very elevated fire risks are some of the forecasts predicted by the Portuguese Institute of Atmosphere and Sea (IPMA) for the coming months.
The president of IPMA, Miguel Miranda, said at the end of a meeting attended by the ministers of the Environment, Internal Administration and Agriculture, that the goal is not to be alarmist, but realistic and act preventively.
“Since February, we have had little precipitation, both on the continent and Madeira, whose rainfall is standing at 60% of the normal average. It’s very important to understand that we now are facing a marathon and not a 100-metre race if we are to reach September/October in better shape than last year. ”
Miguel Miranda stressed that the fire danger will have high values, noting that everyone has to prepare for the summer and balance the economy with the lives of citizens.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, José Luís Carneiro, told journalists that the mainland Government and Regional Government are ensuring that all municipalities have fire defence plans and that they are actively encouraging local inhabitants to keep their land clear of debris and dead vegetation.
All in all, we are going to have a long, complicated summer and everyone must protect the land and the lives of others.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
