Back-to-back Atlantic storms have devastated Portugal, pushing the human cost to 11 since late January. The freshest loss: a 64-year-old man in Serpa’s Pias vicinity, south Portugal, where rampaging floods near Amoreira Dam engulfed his car mid-crossing.
Per Lusa via National Republican Guard, the roadway submerged swiftly under peak flood force—an abrupt wall of water that no driver could outrun.
From Kristin’s record-breaking destruction to Leonardo’s Wednesday arrival, Portugal weathers an unrelenting barrage, with infrastructure crumbling under the assault.
Post-Kristin—eight dead, vast ruins—Prime Minister Montenegro’s cabinet met in crisis mode. Outcome: 2.5 billion euros in succor, national calamity extended through February 8.
Breakdown: Up to 10k euros grants for uninsured dwellings, ag/forestry ops; 537 euros/person income aid (10,075/family cap); biz aids include 6-month SS exemptions, 3-month layoff schemes, 90-day loan grace (12-month option).
Strategic moves add 1.5 billion euro loan pools for commerce revival, plus state funds for mending transit, public edifices, heritage.
Kristin ravaged Leiria, Coimbra, Santarém, Lisbon hardest—eight souls lost. Leonardo’s shadow looms as relief mobilizes, testing Portugal’s mettle in this climatic crucible.