Storm Kristin Recovery Efforts Continue Across Portugal, Armed Forces Deployed
Lisbon, – Recovery efforts are ongoing across Portugal following the devastating impact of Storm Kristin, which swept across the country last week. The Portuguese government has pledged €2.5 billion ($2.9 billion) to support rebuilding initiatives, as rains persist and the threat of further flooding remains.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro announced the aid package on Sunday, , following an emergency cabinet meeting. The funds will be used to restore critical infrastructure, housing, and public services damaged by the storm, which reportedly killed five people.
A state of calamity – one level below a state of emergency – has been extended until in the hardest-hit areas. This measure, initially imposed on Thursday, , grants authorities the power to enforce safety measures and coordinate emergency responses. Montenegro warned that “the ground is saturated” and some areas may require evacuation as more heavy rainfall is forecast.
The national weather agency, IPMA, has placed all of mainland Portugal on alert until Monday for heavy rain and winds of up to 100 kilometers (60 miles) per hour, with rainy conditions expected throughout the week. National civil protection commander Mario Silvestre stated that “current weather predictions are very severe and could cause major damage,” adding that the soil’s inability to retain more water means all rainfall will contribute to increased river basin levels.
Military Support and Emergency Response
More than 1,000 soldiers have been deployed by the Armed Forces to provide direct support to affected populations, according to reports. Military engineering units, firefighters, and medical teams are actively involved in the recovery efforts. As of , nearly 1,200 military personnel and over 200 vehicles were reported to be on the ground.
The military is also providing essential services such as internet access, generators, and bedding. Engineering detachments are working to address infrastructure damage. In Grândola, people were reportedly evacuated from their homes on .
Emergency crews carried out large-scale evacuations as municipal authorities struggled to manage simultaneous crises across multiple regions. Temporary shelters have been established in schools and public buildings, and mobile health services are addressing urgent medical needs.
National Solidarity and Financial Relief
The National Center for Social Support (CNIS) has appealed for national solidarity to support the central region of Portugal following the storm.
As part of the recovery package, a 90-day moratorium has been implemented on mortgages and other loans for residents in affected areas. This measure aims to provide financial relief to those struggling to cope with the aftermath of the storm.
Storm Kristin is described as one of the most disruptive Atlantic systems to affect Portugal in recent years, causing coastal erosion, inland flooding, power outages, and water contamination. The scale of the damage prompted swift political action, placing national resilience at the center of policy discussions.
