2018 Reports

Storm Surge in Costa da Caparica, Almada, in January 2014

dos Santos Gaspar, Rita Isabel; Lehmann, Martin

Almada, Portugal, especially Costa da Caparica, is vulnerable to coastal erosion, storm surges, and flooding, threatening residents and tourism infrastructure. The 2014 storm surge caused significant beach erosion and damage. Historically, Almada used hard measures (seawalls, groins) and soft measures (sand nourishment) to protect the coast. Adaptation has been mostly reactive, but the municipality is developing a strategic climate plan (ELAC) that integrates adaptation into planning and infrastructure protection. Collaboration with national agencies, research institutions, and early-warning systems strengthens resilience, while combining mitigation measures with adaptation helps prevent conflicting impacts.