Storm Christen hits Portugal: 4 dead and widespread destruction in Lisbon
Storm Cristin swept across Portugal with tremendous force, leaving widespread destruction and significant human and material losses. Rescue teams and local authorities confirmed at least four deaths due to weather-related incidents. The damage was concentrated in the Lisbon area in the center of the country, which bore the brunt of the storm's impact, which lasted for two consecutive days and was accompanied by torrential rain and gale-force winds.
Detailing the situation on the ground, Daniela Franga, deputy operations commander at the National Civil Protection Agency, explained during a press conference that the storm's wind speeds reached record levels of 150 kilometers per hour. This destructive force uprooted hundreds of trees, damaged infrastructure, and caused widespread flooding in several areas, prompting a full mobilization of emergency services. By midday, they had responded to nearly 3,000 incidents, reflecting the immense pressure on rescue teams.
The damage wasn't limited to public property; essential services for citizens were also disrupted. Portugal endured a harrowing period as approximately 850,000 homes and businesses lost power in the early hours of Wednesday morning. This widespread blackout paralyzed many vital sectors and hampered communication and rescue operations in the worst-affected areas.
In the transportation sector, Storm Christine has isolated several areas, with major and secondary roads remaining closed or partially blocked due to flooding and fallen trees. Among the most affected is the main highway connecting the capital, Lisbon, to the north of the country, a vital artery for transportation and trade, threatening disruptions to supply chains and passenger traffic. Rail services have also been paralyzed in some areas, forcing authorities to suspend services to ensure passenger safety.
This storm comes amid a period of volatile weather across Europe, particularly in the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal, due to its location on the Atlantic coast, is often the first country to experience low-pressure systems from the west. Meteorologists believe that the increasing frequency of such severe storms, characterized by high wind speeds and torrential rain, highlights the growing challenges that climate change poses to infrastructure in European countries. This necessitates strengthening disaster management strategies and preparing for more extreme weather events in the future.
