During a visit to the site, Pinto Luz emphasised to journalists “the speed and violence of the waters”, which he described as “an absolutely abnormal situation”.

The rupture in the infrastructure was caused by the bursting of the dyke and subsequent excavation of the embankment next to the northern junction of the Mondego viaduct C, due to an exceptional flow of more than 2,100 cubic metres of water per second, explained BCR - Brisa Concessão Rodoviária.

“Today [12 February], we have 15 lorries with rockfill to reinforce the breach that has appeared. Tomorrow morning, more lorries will arrive to reinforce with rockfill,” said Pinto Luz, quoted by RTP Notícias.

The use of rockfill, compacted rock blocks, “is the only thing we can do until the waters recede,” admitted the Minister.

Pinto Luz also said that the crack, in the north-south direction, “could spread” to the other direction.

The official added that “until the water recedes, no fundamental intervention can be made.”

“It will certainly take weeks to get this infrastructure back into service for the Portuguese people,” said Pinto Luz.

“The Government is fully committed to this solution. We have mobilised all our resources and will not leave here until we have managed, with all our teams, to get the A1 back up and running,” the Minister assured.