Lisbon, February 5: Continuous storms in Portugal have resulted in the deaths of 11 people since the end of January. The latest incident involved a 64-year-old man who died near the Amoreira dam in the Serpa region of southern Portugal. He was attempting to cross the road when floodwaters swept his car away.
According to the Lusa news agency, the road he was on was rapidly filling with water. The sudden flood reached its peak, and the strong current carried the vehicle away, as reported by an officer from the National Republican Guard.
In recent days, Portugal has been battered by multiple storm systems, causing widespread damage across the country. Storm Kristin has proven to be the most destructive, followed by Storm Leonardo, which began affecting the nation on Wednesday.
Previously, Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced a €2.5 billion aid package to assist families and businesses affected by Storm Kristin, which claimed at least eight lives and caused significant devastation nationwide. The government decided to extend the national state of disaster until February 8.
Following an emergency cabinet meeting, the aid package was unveiled, which includes support for home reconstruction, income assistance for families, cash aid for businesses, and relief from tax and loan payments.
Direct grants of up to €10,000 will be provided for uninsured primary homes, agricultural, and forestry operations. Families suffering income loss will receive up to €537 per person, with a maximum of €10,075 available per family.
Businesses in affected areas will benefit from a six-month exemption from social security contributions. Additionally, they will have access to a simplified temporary layoff scheme for three months. A 90-day grace period will be granted for business and primary home loans, extendable up to 12 months if necessary.
The government has also decided to launch two loan facilities totaling €1.5 billion to support businesses and ensure long-term resilience. Additional government funds will be allocated for the repair of transport infrastructure, public buildings, and cultural heritage sites.
Local media report that at least eight fatalities have occurred due to Storm Kristin, with the hardest-hit areas including Leiria, Coimbra, Santarém district, and Lisbon.