LISBON – Relentless storms battering Portugal since late January have now claimed 11 lives, with the latest tragedy striking in the southern Serpa region. A 64-year-old man perished when floodwaters swept away his car as he attempted to cross a road near the Amoreira Dam close to Pias.
According to the Lusa news agency, citing a National Republican Guard officer, the road was rapidly submerging under ferocious floodwaters at their peak. The sudden deluge caught the driver off guard, carrying his vehicle into the raging torrent.
Portugal has been gripped by a series of brutal storm systems in recent days. Storm Kristin proved the most devastating, inflicting widespread havoc across the nation. It was followed by Storm Leonardo, which began impacting the country on Wednesday, exacerbating the chaos.
In response to Kristin’s fury, which killed at least eight people and caused massive destruction, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro announced a massive 2.5 billion euro aid package for affected families and businesses. The government extended the national disaster declaration until February 8 following an emergency cabinet meeting.
The comprehensive relief measures include funding for home reconstruction, income support for families, cash assistance for businesses, and relief on taxes and loan repayments. uninsured primary residences, agricultural, and forestry operations qualify for direct grants up to 10,000 euros. Families facing income loss can receive up to 537 euros per person, capped at 10,075 euros per household.
Businesses in impacted areas gain six months of social security contribution exemptions, access to a simplified temporary layoff scheme for three months, and a 90-day grace period on loans for businesses and primary homes—extendable to 12 months if needed.
Additionally, the government launched two loan facilities totaling 1.5 billion euros to help businesses recover and build long-term resilience. Extra public funds will repair transportation infrastructure, public buildings, and cultural heritage sites.
Local media reports confirm Storm Kristin’s toll: at least eight fatalities, with Leiria, Coimbra, Santarém districts, and Lisbon suffering the heaviest blows. As recovery efforts intensify amid ongoing weather threats, Portugal braces for more challenges ahead.