Fernando Veludo / LUSA
A firefighter, belonging to the Campo Maior corporation, in the district of Portalegre, died this Saturday, during an operation to help isolated families, due to bad weather, when he fell into a flooded area while trying to cross the area on foot.
José Valter Canastreiro, 46, died while helping people who had been isolated for more than 48 hours, due to the rise in the water level of the Caia River, in Campo Maior.
According to CNN Portugal, at the time he was participating in the aid mission, fell into a flooded area while trying to cross the area on foot.
The man was still rescued by his colleagues, but it was not possible to revive him.
A source from the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) told Lusa that the alert was given “around 1:30 pm”.
ANEPC issued a note of condolence on its social networks, indicating that the patrolling, reconnaissance and surveillance in which the firefighter was involved took place in the National Road 373in an area of confluence with the Caia river, in Campo Maior.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, the Campo Maior Volunteer Fire Department and all the firefighters and civil protection agents involved in protection and relief operations, in the context of the adverse weather conditions affecting mainland Portugal”, reads the note.
“In this moment of pain and consternation, ANEPC leaves a word of profound gratitude to all those who, with courage and a sense of mission, put their lives at risk to protect the lives and property of their fellow citizens”, they add.
According to , in addition to being a firefighter, José Valter Canastreiro was a military member of the GNR of the Portalegre Territorial Command.
Three days of mourning in Campo Maior
The Chamber of Campo Maior, in the district of Portalegre, decreed three days of municipal mourning following the death of the firefighter.
O Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI) expressed “deep regret and consternation” for the death of a GNR soldier from Campo Maior, working as a firefighter in support of populations affected by bad weather.
Also Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa lamented the death of the firefighter, praising his “an example of selflessness and dedication to the public causewhose life and professional career are marked by his solidarity and service to others”.
