Storm Christen in Portugal: Power outages and deaths
Portugal is on high alert, with both the government and the public mobilized, as the country prepares for another wave of heavy rain and strong winds on Saturday. The aftermath of Storm Christine continues to severely impact infrastructure and daily life. These harsh weather developments come just days after the storm struck, leaving behind significant human and material losses. Around 200,000 consumers are still without power, and there are fears the crisis could worsen.
The aftermath of Storm Kristen and the human toll
In a tragic toll from recent weather events, Storm Kristen claimed five lives, highlighting the severity of the weather phenomena battering the Iberian Peninsula. Local authorities reported the death of a 73-year-old man on Saturday in the town of Batallía, near Leiria, after he fell from the roof of his house while attempting to repair damage. This incident underscores the significant risks faced by residents in such conditions.
The Leiria region in central Portugal was among the hardest hit, with widespread power outages concentrated there. E-redes, the electricity distribution network operator, reported that its crews were working around the clock to restore service, but the scale of the damage was complicating the task, with approximately 198,000 customers still without power as of Saturday afternoon.
Weather warnings and potential hazards
The Portuguese Meteorological Agency (IPMA) has placed the country's mainland on high alert, warning of torrential rain and strong winds that could reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. This unsettled weather is expected to continue until next Monday. The warning comes at a critical time, as the soil is already saturated from previous rainfall, increasing the risk of urban flooding, landslides, and rockfalls, especially given the rising river levels.
Geographic context and climate impact
Historically, Portugal, due to its geographical location on the west coast of Europe and its direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, has served as a gateway for many low-pressure systems and winter storms originating from the ocean. However, climate experts indicate that the frequency and intensity of these storms have increased in recent years, placing growing strain on infrastructure and emergency systems.
Hurricane-force storm Kristen battered central and northern regions Tuesday night, uprooting some 5,800 trees, causing extensive damage to buildings, and disrupting travel and transportation. In response, Leiria Mayor Gonzalo Lopes appealed for volunteers to urgently repair damaged roofs before more rain, while the Civil Protection Agency urged residents to secure their belongings and avoid coastal areas and riverbanks for their safety.
