Regional Government continuously monitors landslides on several islands to ensure safety of people and property - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, has been monitoring the landslides affecting several islands of the archipelago from the outset and on an ongoing basis, taking immediate action to ensure the protection of people and property.

The bad weather that has affected the Region in recent weeks, with heavy rainfall and strong winds, has contributed to multiple landslides. The most serious situations were registered on the road connecting Furnas to Povoação on the island of São Miguel and in the parish of Ribeiras on the island of Pico. 

The most recent occurrence took place early this morning on the Água d'Alto road and was also immediately resolved by the teams on the ground.

Whenever a severe weather warning is issued, the Regional Directorate for Public Works mobilises teams across all islands as a preventive measure, intending to provide a swift response to situations that could endanger public safety, namely by clearing roads affected by landslides.

In recent weeks, these teams have been working intensively and continuously to resolve all landslide-related situations, ensuring that normality is restored as quickly as possible. It is an effort that the Azorean Government strongly commends, recognising the dedication and personal sacrifice of the various individuals who, in the face of very adverse working conditions, have ensured the safety of the population.

On the road connecting Furnas to Povoação, in São Miguel, for example, staff from the Regional Directorate for Public Works worked day and night to clear the road and monitor traffic, ensuring the best possible conditions and providing the necessary support in the event of any incidents.

The Regional Directorate for Public Works has also been able to count on the collaboration of the Municipal Civil Protection Commissions, highlighting the cooperation and the operational and institutional support shown in such moments.

Landslides — including mudslides and rockfalls — are one of the most frequent and destructive natural hazards facing the Azores archipelago.

Their occurrence is associated with steep slopes, volcanic geological origins and severe weather conditions. The combination of these factors creates a high-risk scenario, often aggravated by earthquakes and periods of heavy rainfall.