Portugal’s storm-plagued January finale has escalated into February with a grim milestone: 11 confirmed deaths from successive tempests. Friday’s fatal incident involved a 64-year-old near Pias in Serpa, southern Portugal—his car vanished into floods beside Amoreira Dam during a road crossing.
The Lusa news service, quoting National Republican Guard details, described how surging waters inundated the route instantaneously. At flood crest, the torrent proved unstoppable, claiming the vehicle and driver.
A parade of storms has pummeled the country: Kristin delivered unparalleled ruin, then Leonardo struck Wednesday, compounding the misery with fresh onslaughts.
Reacting to Kristin’s eight fatalities and countrywide devastation, PM Luis Montenegro’s government convened urgently. They rolled out a 2.5 billion euro lifeline, stretching disaster status to February 8.
Aid spectrum spans home rebuild grants to 10,000 euros for uninsured properties, agriculture, forestry; family income boosts at 537 euros/head, up to 10,075 euros/family; enterprise relief via waived security payments for half a year, short-term layoff access, 90-day debt pauses (up to 12 months).
Further, two 1.5 billion euro credit lines aim at business stabilization and fortification. Public coffers open for transport networks, civic structures, cultural treasures’ restoration.
Media highlights Kristin’s epicenter: Leiria, Coimbra, Santarém, Lisbon—eight dead there alone. As Leonardo lingers, Portugal’s resolve hardens, channeling aid to resurrect communities from nature’s wrath.