A severe storm, dubbed Kristin, has moved away from Portugal after leaving a trail of destruction and loss of life. At least seven people have died as a result of the storm, including six fatalities caused by falling trees or collapsing structures, and one individual swept away in a flooded vehicle. The hardest-hit areas were located in the center and west of the country.
Widespread Disruption and Damage
As of Thursday, approximately 450,000 people remained without electricity due to damage to the energy network. The district of Leiria is particularly affected, with around 300,000 residents without power. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro visited Leiria and has postponed planned trips to Croatia and Andorra to address the crisis. He stated, “Despite the fact that the worst is already over, we are anticipating problems that will be inevitable in the coming days, such as rising waters and floods.”
The government has declared a state of calamity in 60 of the most damaged towns, a measure that will remain in effect until Sunday. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced plans to visit affected areas. Both presidential candidates, António José Seguro and André Ventura, have also visited impacted communities to express their support, with Ventura incorporating the visits into his campaign schedule.
The storm caused significant damage to the power grid, with 61 high-voltage pylons toppled and 774 kilometers of high-voltage lines – 7% of the country’s network – disabled. Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN) estimates that full restoration of power will take several days.
Isolated Communities Face Critical Shortages
Some towns have reported damage to all buildings, and the situation is particularly dire in Figueiró dos Vinhos, located two hours by car from Lisbon. Mayor Carlos Lopes, communicating via satellite phone through the municipal fire department, reported a complete lack of power and communications, with the water supply only guaranteed for the next 12 hours. “We are totally isolated and need a lot of solidarity from the Government,” he stated.
Rail service has also been disrupted, with several lines suspended, including the route between Lisbon and Oporto. More than 5,600 incidents related to the storm have been reported to the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, including issues stemming from fallen trees, structural damage, and flooding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have been affected by the storm?
Approximately 450,000 people were without electricity as of Thursday, with the majority of those affected – around 300,000 – located in the district of Leiria.
What is the government doing to respond to the crisis?
The government has declared a state of calamity in 60 of the most damaged towns until Sunday. The President is planning visits to affected areas, and the Prime Minister has postponed official visits to focus on the response.
What is the current status of transportation?
Rail service has been disrupted, with several lines suspended, including the one connecting Lisbon and Oporto. Incidents related to fallen trees, structural damage, and flooding have impacted transportation networks.
As recovery efforts continue, it is likely that further challenges, such as rising floodwaters, will emerge in the coming days. The extent of long-term economic impacts remains to be seen, and sustained support will be crucial for affected communities.
