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11 Dead as Storms Batter Portugal, Government Unveils 2.5B Euro Aid

Successive storms, including Kristin and Leonardo, have left at least 11 people dead in Portugal, causing widespread damage. The latest victim was a 64-year-old man whose car was swept away by floodwaters in the south. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has announced a 2.5 billion euro support package for affected families and businesses. The aid includes direct grants, income support, tax moratoriums, and credit lines for recovery.

Key Points: Portugal Storms Kill 11, Government Announces 2.5B Euro Aid

  • 11 storm-related deaths since late January
  • 2.5 billion euro government support package announced
  • State of calamity extended until February 8
  • Direct grants and liquidity aid for businesses
2 min read

Successive storms leave 11 people dead in Portugal

Successive storms leave 11 dead in Portugal. PM Luis Montenegro announces a 2.5 billion euro support package for families and businesses.

"The man was driving through a section of road that was becoming flooded when he was caught at the peak of a flash flood - Lusa News Agency"

Lisbon, Feb 5

Successive storms have left 11 people dead in Portugal since late January, with the latest victim a 64-year-old man who died after his car was swept away by floodwaters while he was attempting to cross a road near the Amoreira Dam in Pias, in the municipality of Serpa, southern Portugal.

The man was driving through a section of road that was becoming flooded when he was caught at the peak of a flash flood, and his vehicle was dragged away by the current, Lusa News Agency reported, quoting a source from the National Republican Guard (GNR).

Portugal has been hit by successive storm systems in recent days, causing widespread damage across the country. Storm Kristin has proven to be the most destructive so far, while Storm Leonardo began affecting the country on Wednesday.

Earlier, Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro announced a 2.5 billion euros (2.98 billion US dollars) support package for families and businesses after Storm Kristin left at least eight dead and a trail of destruction across the country, extending a national state of calamity.

Following an extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting, the government on Sunday (local time) announced the package while also extending the nationwide state of calamity until February 8. The measures include reconstruction aid, income support for families, liquidity assistance for businesses, and both tax and credit moratoriums.

Direct grants of up to 10,000 euros will be available for uninsured primary homes and for agricultural and forestry activities. Families facing hardship or income loss can receive up to 537 euros per person, capped at 10,075 euros per household, reports Xinhua news agency.

Businesses in affected areas will benefit from six months of Social Security contribution exemptions and access to a simplified temporary layoff scheme for three months. A 90-day moratorium will apply to business and primary home loans, with the possibility of extension for up to 12 months.

As part of the package, two credit lines totalling 1.5 billion euros will be launched to support business liquidity and structural recovery. Additional public funds will be directed toward repairing transport infrastructure, public facilities and cultural heritage.

According to local media reports, Storm Kristin, which has battered the country since Wednesday, has caused at least eight related fatalities. The hardest-hit regions include Leiria, about 140 km north of Lisbon, Coimbra, roughly 195 km north of the capital, as well as the district of Santarem and Lisbon. (1 euro = 1.19 US dollars)

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Very sad news. 11 lives lost is a huge number. It's a stark reminder that climate change is a global crisis. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent everywhere, from Portugal's storms to our own cyclones on the eastern coast. We need to learn from each other's disaster management strategies.
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David E
The financial support announced is quite substantial – 2.5 billion euros! The direct grants for uninsured homes and income support for families show good intent. However, I hope the implementation is efficient and the aid reaches the people quickly. Bureaucratic delays in such times can be cruel.
A
Aman W
The poor man trying to cross the flooded road... it's a lesson for all of us. Never underestimate moving water. We see similar tragedies during our monsoons every year. Public awareness about not crossing flooded causeways is crucial. Thoughts with Portugal.
S
Sarah B
The credit moratoriums and liquidity assistance for businesses are smart moves. It prevents economic collapse in the affected regions after the physical damage. A holistic recovery needs to address both human suffering and economic stability. Hope the reconstruction is resilient for future storms.
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Karthik V
It's heartbreaking to read. While the aid package is good, one must ask if enough was done on early warnings and infrastructure to prevent people from being on dangerous roads. Preparedness is key. We should take note for our own disaster protocols.

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