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Coordinator warns storm damage could reach €6 billion

Friday, 20 February 2026AI summary
🏛️ Government🌱 Environment#severe-weather#expat-wellbeing#government-policy#public-safety
Coordinator warns storm damage could reach €6 billion
Photo: Público

The government-appointed coordinator for the response to storm Kristin (tempestade Kristin) said the extreme weather affecting about 60 municipalities may be “the largest contemporary natural catastrophe” in the country and estimated losses could reach €6 billion. Paulo Fernandes, named to lead on-the-ground coordination, warned of substantial recovery needs and urged fast, organised support for displaced families and damaged infrastructure. Residents and property owners in affected areas should follow municipal notices and expect inspections, aid applications and potential temporary measures.

Update: How to request state disaster aid

A new guide published by national outlets explains eligibility and the application steps for state disaster assistance, setting out who can apply and what documentation is required. The coverage is practical: affected households and businesses are being told where to submit claims and which municipal or central-government services to contact as recovery programmes are set up.

Context & Explainers

What is Storm Kristin?

Storm Kristin was a named Atlantic storm that struck Portugal in late 2024, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds (gusts exceeding 100 km/h in some areas), and significant coastal wave action. The storm caused widespread flooding, roof collapses, fallen trees, and power outages across several districts.

IPMA issued orange and red warnings for affected regions, and ANEPC activated emergency response plans. The impact was particularly severe in flood-prone areas of the Lisbon metropolitan area and the Tagus and Mondego river basins, where drainage systems were overwhelmed.

Storm Kristin highlighted recurring vulnerabilities in Portugal's infrastructure during extreme weather events — including urban drainage capacity, riverbank management, and the need for updated emergency response coordination. Residents in storm-affected areas were advised to follow civil protection guidance, avoid coastal zones and riverbanks, and report damage through municipal services.

A state of calamity (situação de calamidade) is the highest level of civil emergency Portugal can declare under its Civil Protection framework, short of a constitutional state of emergency. It is typically declared by the government in response to severe natural disasters such as major wildfires, floods, or storms.

A calamity declaration activates the National Civil Protection Emergency Plan, mobilizes additional resources, and grants authorities expanded powers to restrict movement, requisition private property, and deploy military assets. It also unlocks emergency financial support for affected populations and municipalities.

Portugal uses a three-tier alert system: alerta (alert), contingência (contingency), and calamidade (calamity), each with escalating levels of coordination and authority. The state of calamity requires coordination between the national government, ANEPC, local authorities, and emergency services.

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