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Portugal continues to face severe winter weather as powerful storms batter large parts of the country. The latest storms come just days after Storm Kristin caused widespread destruction, leaving at least 10 people dead and thousands affected.
Authorities report that dangerous weather conditions remain across central and northern regions. Heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding continue to disrupt daily life.
Death Toll Rises After Storm Kristin
Officials confirmed a tenth fatality on Tuesday. An elderly man died after falling from a roof in Porto de Mós while attempting to repair storm damaged tiles.
Storm Kristin struck Portugal in the early hours of last Wednesday. Wind gusts reached extreme speeds, with reports of gusts exceeding 200 kilometers per hour in parts of the Coimbra district.
The storm left many communities without electricity, water, or communication services. More than 100,000 households remained affected one week after the storm passed.
Widespread Damage to Homes and Businesses
Storm Kristin caused extensive damage across at least 68 municipalities. Homes suffered roof damage and flooding as rain continued to fall in the days that followed.
Businesses faced severe losses. In several areas, entire factories and business parks sustained structural damage. Many workers have been unable to return, raising concerns about long term economic impact.
Business owners say current government support measures do not go far enough, especially for companies unsure when operations can safely resume.
Government Response Draws Criticism
The government announced emergency measures to support affected residents. However, criticism followed over both the scale of assistance and public communication.
Some political figures questioned how officials addressed the loss of life. Others raised concerns about the response time and coordination of emergency services.
The government declared a Situation of Calamity for several days and later extended it until February 8. Opposition parties have called for a longer extension and non repayable aid for businesses.
Ongoing Flood Risks Across the Country
Rising river levels have increased flood risks in several regions. Flooding has already affected areas such as Alcácer do Sal, Coimbra, Soure, and Montemor o Velho.
In Coimbra, rising waters from the Mondego River flooded parks and riverside businesses. Authorities warned residents near riverbanks to remain alert.
New Storm Adds to the Crisis
Another storm system, Depression Leonardo, has arrived and is expected to affect Portugal until at least Saturday. Even regions less affected by Storm Kristin now face landslides and road closures.
In Aljezur, falling rocks and trees blocked major roads. In Figueira da Foz, strong winds caused a crane to collapse onto multiple homes, highlighting concerns about structural safety.
Concerns Over Infrastructure and Climate Preparedness
The recent storms have raised questions about Portugal’s infrastructure resilience. Officials reported damage to hundreds of power lines and dozens of school buildings.
Local authorities in Leiria alone recorded serious damage in about 150 schools. Residents and leaders are questioning whether buildings meet modern safety standards.
A recent report by the McKinsey Global Institute warned that around one quarter of Portugal faces climate related risks. These include flooding, forest fires, and drought.
The report said Portugal must double its current investment in climate adaptation. At present, the country spends just over €170 million per year on resilience measures.
Emergency Efforts Continue as More Storms Loom
Civil protection teams, volunteers, and armed forces personnel continue cleanup and recovery efforts nationwide. Despite these efforts, authorities warn that more storms could worsen the situation.
With weather conditions still unstable, Portugal faces ongoing challenges as it works to recover from one of the most damaging winter storm periods in recent memory.
