Portugal: Storm Kristen cuts power and rain warnings issued
Portugal is bracing for another wave of heavy rain as the country continues to recover from the devastation wrought by Storm Christine . These warnings come amid a severe energy crisis, with some 200,000 consumers still without power, days after the powerful storm caused significant loss of life and property, including five deaths.
State of emergency and weather warnings
In a swift response to the developing weather, the Portuguese Meteorological Agency (IPMA) has placed the country's mainland on high alert for heavy rainfall, expected to continue until Monday. The agency urged the public to remain vigilant and regularly check weather forecasts, given the potential for flash floods and overflowing wadis in low-lying areas.
Due to its geographical location on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is directly exposed to low-pressure systems originating from the Atlantic Ocean. Historically, the country experiences severe storms during the autumn and winter months. However, the frequency of these extreme weather events has increased in recent years across Europe, placing growing challenges on infrastructure and emergency systems.
Infrastructure damage in Leiria and the central region
Storm Christine struck central and northern Portugal on Tuesday night, bringing hurricane-force winds that caused widespread flooding, structural damage to buildings, and near-total paralysis of transportation. According to the electricity distribution company E-redes, some 211,000 customers were still without power as of Saturday, with the vast majority of those affected concentrated in the central region of Leiria.
Field reports indicated that the storm damaged power lines and downed high-voltage lines, complicating repair efforts by technical teams. In this situation, backup generators were deployed to ensure the continued operation of vital facilities, primarily hospitals, water pumping systems, and communication networks, in order to avert a larger humanitarian disaster.
Appeals for help and worrying forecasts
Locally, Gonzalo López, the mayor of Leiria, issued an urgent appeal for volunteers to assist with rapid intervention efforts, particularly to temporarily repair damaged roofs before more rain is expected. López told the private channel SIC, "We are expecting more rain starting at midnight, and we are very concerned about the structural integrity of the damaged buildings.".
Initial estimates indicate that the economic cost of repairing the storm damage will be high, encompassing repairs to power grids, roads, and private homes. These events underscore the importance of strengthening national preparedness for climate change, as the impact of storms is no longer confined to coastal areas but extends to disrupting the daily lives and economic activities of thousands of citizens.
