Environment: Civil protection news in Portugal

The government activated the National Civil Protection Emergency Plan (PNEPC) nationwide after an extraordinary, unanimously approved meeting of the National Civil Protection Commission chaired by the Minister of Internal Administration, Maria Lúcia Amaral. The decision responds to forecasts of a worsening risk scenario following Storm Kristin, with heavy rainfall expected to cause significant hydrological impacts — notably floods and inundations — necessitating coordinated national measures to protect people and property.

Storm Kristin swept across Portugal, entering near Leiria and causing widespread destruction particularly in the Centre and West. By 22:00 on Wednesday the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection had logged around 5,400 incidents; high winds uprooted trees, ripped roofs from buildings and disrupted services. Local authorities and Civil Protection have been responding minute-by-minute to damage and casualties, although casualty figures were reported inconsistently during the day. The situation remains dynamic as emergency teams continue operations and meteorological services monitor the depression’s evolution over the coming hours.

Storm Ingrid has caused one death, one injury and displaced 21 people in mainland Portugal, with Civil Protection recording 1,545 incidents between 16:00 on Thursday and 17:00 on Saturday. The fatality occurred in Cadaval. Emergency services remain engaged across affected areas as authorities assess damage and coordinate responses to widespread weather-related disruptions.

Traffic on National Road (EN) 10 in Vila Franca de Xira (Lisbon) was reopened after authorities halted movement when a section of pavement collapsed and caused a gas leak, the Civil Protection told Lusa. Emergency teams secured the scene, controlled the leak and carried out inspections before resuming traffic; investigations and repairs are ongoing to determine the cause and prevent further disruption.