A New Storm Puts Portugal on Alert
Portugal Braces for New Storm Amid Recovery from Storm Christine
On Wednesday, Portugal faces the impending arrival of a new storm while still attempting to recover from the aftermath of Storm Christine, which resulted in 10 fatalities and prompted a state of emergency in 68 municipalities. Many regions are still without electricity after a week of heavy rainfall and fierce winds.
Casualties and Damage Assessment
Civil protection authorities reported that five people died directly due to Storm Christine. Additionally, the municipality of Marinha Grande recorded one more death, while four others were reported later as a result of roof collapses during repair work or smoke inhalation from electric generators.
Authorities continue to assess the damages, which include homes being completely or partially destroyed and significant damage to electrical and communication networks. There are concerns that conditions may worsen due to ongoing bad weather and rising water levels in rivers.
Impact on Infrastructure and Schools
The storm has severely affected transportation infrastructure, including roads and railways, as well as educational institutions, leading to isolated areas and limited population movement. The districts of Leiria, Coimbra, and Santarém are among the hardest hit. Schools that closed last week are expected to gradually resume their activities starting today, although some schools will remain closed until next Monday.
Ongoing Challenges in Certain Areas
In other districts, especially Castelo Branco, some municipalities are still experiencing mobile network interruptions or limited coverage. As of Tuesday, more than 70% of the Olheiros municipality was still without stable service, despite improvements in electricity supply.
Rescue Efforts and Government Measures
Armed forces have been involved in rescue operations, while teams are working to repair damaged roofs and restore essential services. To mitigate impact, the government has suspended tolls on four highway segments for a week.
The government also noted that Storm Christine damaged over 50 national monuments, with repair costs estimated at 20 million euros. They cautioned that the resilience and recovery fund should not be viewed as a reliable source for addressing such natural disasters.
Risk of Renewed Flooding
With dams full, saturated soil, and continued rainfall, authorities are warning of potential renewed flooding, particularly along the Douro River near Régua. The European Commission has expressed solidarity with Portugal, calling for a coordinated response, the activation of the European solidarity fund, and investment in more resilient electrical networks.
The Storm Leonardo and Its Expected Effects
The new storm, “Leonardo,” is beginning to impact the country, moving towards Lower Alentejo and the Algarve. It brings rainfall and winds that may reach 75 km/h along the coast and 95 km/h in elevated areas, according to the Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere.
Most districts in mainland Portugal, along with the Madeira and Azores archipelagos, remain on alert due to winds, rain, maritime disruptions, and snowfall.
