In 1971 Vilarinho da Furna was flooded, in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. The village was inhabited by about 300 people, who had to move to neighbouring towns. Nostalgia is felt by many whenever the waters recede as they remember the village as it was originally built, with granite dwellings, characteristic of the region.
The drought has also affected some localities in Spain, namely in the region of Galicia. The Lindoso dam began receiving water in 1992, flooding five villages in the area. Now, the extreme drought has meant that the dam has only 20 percent of its full capacity, revealing the old dwellings.
The localities are now exposed and people have been heading to the dams, which are now practically empty, to visit the places that are described as ghostly.
In some places, the authorities are banning visits, due to the lack of security that some areas may present.
