Regional Government President Miguel Albuquerque has rejected suggestions that preventive measures for Storm Charles were announced too late, arguing that decisions must be based on the most reliable weather forecasts available.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the 10th of November, he acknowledged that the approaching storm could be more severe than the weather that caused flooding and damage across Madeira last weekend.
Asked why mainland authorities had announced precautions earlier, despite the storm being expected to reach them later, Albuquerque defended the timing of Madeira’s decision to close schools and non-essential public services.
“We have to be careful to make decisions according to concrete reality and the most reliable data,” he said.
He argued that forecasts become more precise as a weather system approaches, allowing authorities to make better-informed decisions.
The measures followed a meeting with Civil Protection operational teams on Tuesday morning. Schools will close until 13:00 on Wednesday, the 11th of November, with Albuquerque leaving open the possibility of extending the closure if conditions require it.
The closures are intended to minimise travel during the worst of the weather, expected from around 22:30–23:00 on Tuesday and through the early hours of Wednesday.
Asked whether private businesses should follow the measures adopted for public services, Albuquerque said that the decision rested with employers. While cautioning against alarmism, he urged companies to monitor conditions and avoid unnecessary journeys by staff, placing people’s safety first. He also advised residents to remain at home whenever possible and avoid non-essential travel.
Albuquerque acknowledged the seriousness of the forecast rain and wind, while recalling that Madeira had faced severe weather on previous occasions. Asked about the Government’s response during the most critical period, he said officials would remain on duty and that he would be continuously available to monitor developments.
“The Government will not stay at home,” he said, adding: “I work 24 hours a day.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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