The bathing season began with unexpected limitations in one of the best -known beaches in the North, where sand loss has transformed the access and safety of the summer. The exposure of structures buried for years and the alteration of coastal dynamics led to the interdiction of a part of the beach, by precaution.
The beach in question is the Moledo, in the municipality of Caminha, whose situation has been closely monitored by local and national authorities. A significant part of the sand was dragged by the sea, revealing the containment geocilinders installed about a decade ago. The separation between the two areas of the beach is worse with the full tide, making it difficult for bathers, as reported by Expresso.
Known for its rich iodine waters, the beach has been attracting for decades for therapeutic benefits associated with this element. Iodine, present in a high concentration in the coastal zone, is often related to positive effects on respiratory and skin, which has contributed to the reputation of the beach as a bathing destination with beneficial health properties.
Watched critical zone
With the worsening of the situation, the Maritime Police reinforced the presence at the scene and ended three accesses to the Paredão. The measure was taken by precaution, compared to the instability of the coastal strip and the proximity of the risk zone.
According to reports of mayors cited by the national press, a cage was identified with the geocilindros, whose exposure results from the progressive erosion of the sand. This phenomenon represents an added danger, especially for children and young people who tend to circulate nearby. The area is now properly signaled.
Joaquim Guardão, President of the Moledo Parish Council, expressed concern about the safety of the summer and criticized the non -compliance with the promises made in early May. At the time, the environmental authorities guaranteed the replacement of sand if the natural dynamics did not restore it, which, so far, has not happened.
Postponement
The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) now admits that structural intervention should only advance in 2027. Still, a more immediate, provisional action is being equated, to perform before winter. The beach situation has been accompanied and described in several reports published by the newspaper referred to, where the urgency of concrete answers stands out.
According to recent APA statements, an “two-stroke” response is under study: an emergency solution that allows you to cross the next cold season, and a higher breathtaking intervention. The meetings between technicians, joint and municipality have been frequent.
Less space, less business
On the dealers’ side, complaints are losing the use of useful space. Ana Paula Monraia, responsible for beach support at the site for over 30 years, has been forced to reduce to less than half the number of tents available. “From 60, we got 25. The sand disappeared,” he said in statements already mentioned by the press.
The businesswoman fears the effects of next winter: “The road is next door. If a strong storm comes, the sea enters without excitement. I don’t even think at this time, I think about what comes later,” he warned. The short distance between Duna and the Urban Zone is one of the main reasons for concern between local residents and operators.
Housing and road at risk
Infrastructures located on the first line of the beach are especially vulnerable. The dune that separated the sand from the urban area, functioning as the main element of natural protection, lost part of its height and consistency.
Technicians involved in monitoring the situation warns that, if measures are not adopted before the arrival of the living tides of winter, there is a real risk of coastal leading. This advancement of the sea may have a direct impact on housing, roads and other structures near the water line.
The scenario is a cause for concern for municipal officials, who point to the absence of concrete actions as an aggravating factor. As, Moledo may be crossing the most critical moment of recent decades, with the future of the beach depending on the speed with which structural solutions are implemented.
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