In brief
Authorities in Portugal are reeling from the impact of Storm Kristin, an extreme weather event that has resulted in at least five fatalities. With flooding, landslides, and widespread destruction reported, emergency services face significant challenges as communities attempt to recover. The storm has not only claimed lives but caused major disruptions to travel and infrastructure, leading to calls for a state of emergency in affected regions.
At least five people have died after Storm Kristin tore through central and northern Portugal, causing flooding, landslides, and widespread damage.
The storm, which the government described as an extreme climactic event, left schools shuttered, buildings damaged, and travel severely disrupted.
In the coastal city of Figueira da Foz, a Ferris wheel overturned and several vehicles were hit when part of a roof was torn from a building.
Portugal has been hit by a succession of storms in recent days, including one over the weekend in which a man died after his car was swept away in floods.
Heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 150km (95 miles) per hour caused more than 3,000 weather-related incidents across the country, civil protection authorities said. Several people were struck by falling trees or debris.
The strongest winds were recorded at the Monte Real air base in Leiria, where gusts of 178km were recorded before the monitoring equipment was destroyed. Officials said the location was likely the storm's entry point to mainland Portugal.
More than 850,000 people lost power on Wednesday, according to electricity distributor E-Redes.
The civil protection agency (ANEPC) reported that three people had died in the central district of Leiria, one of the worst affected areas. A report indicated that a man in Vila Franca de Xira died when a tree struck his car.
Transport across Portugal has been severely disrupted, with roads – including the main motorway connecting Lisbon to the north – and railways blocked by debris. Ten coastal areas were placed under a red weather warning on Wednesday due to dangerous sea conditions, with waves forecast to reach up to 14m (45ft, 11in).
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro expressed condolences to the victims' families, emphasizing the need for authorities to assess the damage and take necessary measures. Meanwhile, Leiria's mayor appealed for a state of emergency, signaling the magnitude of the destruction.
After crossing Portugal, Storm Kristin moved east into Spain, continuing to bring snow, rain, and strong winds, exacerbating the situation in neighboring regions.
