At least five people have died after Storm Kristin tore through central and northern Portugal, causing flooding, landslides and widespread damage. The storm, described by the government as an 'extreme climactic event', has resulted in schools closing, buildings being damaged, and travel severely disrupted. In the coastal city of Figueira da Foz, a Ferris wheel was overturned and several vehicles were struck when part of a roof was ripped from a building.
Portugal has faced a string of storms recently, with fatal incidents including one over the weekend where a man lost his life when floodwaters swept away his car. The damaging weather has caused more than 3,000 incidents nationwide, with high winds reaching up to 150km/h (95mph) reported. In particular, the Monte Real air base in Leiria experienced recorded gusts of 178km before monitoring equipment was destroyed. More than 850,000 people lost power as a result of the storm.
Emergency authorities report severe disruption to transport with blocked roads, including the major motorway linking Lisbon to the north, and rail services impacted by debris. The Public Security Police urged residents in affected areas to stay indoors while the country remains on high alert. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has expressed condolences to the victims' families and noted that the government is evaluating the situation for necessary action. In Leiria, the mayor has called for a state of emergency, stating that the damage is akin to that of a bomb, indicating a massive recovery effort ahead.
After crossing Portugal, Storm Kristin continued east into Spain, bringing further adverse weather.
Portugal has faced a string of storms recently, with fatal incidents including one over the weekend where a man lost his life when floodwaters swept away his car. The damaging weather has caused more than 3,000 incidents nationwide, with high winds reaching up to 150km/h (95mph) reported. In particular, the Monte Real air base in Leiria experienced recorded gusts of 178km before monitoring equipment was destroyed. More than 850,000 people lost power as a result of the storm.
Emergency authorities report severe disruption to transport with blocked roads, including the major motorway linking Lisbon to the north, and rail services impacted by debris. The Public Security Police urged residents in affected areas to stay indoors while the country remains on high alert. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has expressed condolences to the victims' families and noted that the government is evaluating the situation for necessary action. In Leiria, the mayor has called for a state of emergency, stating that the damage is akin to that of a bomb, indicating a massive recovery effort ahead.
After crossing Portugal, Storm Kristin continued east into Spain, bringing further adverse weather.
