Government: Severe weather news in Portugal

Education Minister Fernando Alexandre announced that schools damaged by Storm Kristin will be rebuilt to withstand winds of 200 kilometers per hour. The government is adopting construction models used in countries frequently exposed to cyclones to ensure structural resilience and prevent future closures. Parents and students should note that the plan involves redesigning projects in collaboration with local municipalities (municípios).

Update: Government sets June deadline for delayed housing support

The government aims to complete all financial support for private homes damaged by the storm by June 30, admitting that only 10% of 30,000 applications have been processed. Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion Manuel Castro de Almeida also announced that €500 million in projects from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência or PRR) will be reallocated due to the disaster. Those awaiting support should note that 750 technicians are being deployed to help municipalities speed up damage assessments.

The Intermunicipal Community of the Leiria Region (Comunidade Intermunicipal da Região de Leiria or CIMRL) says that promised government support for storm damage has yet to arrive. The region suffered significant destruction from storms Kristin, Leonardo, and Marta nearly two months ago, affecting infrastructure and drainage networks. Local leaders are calling for higher support rates and faster access to funds from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência or PRR). Residents in the Leiria area should be aware of ongoing efforts to secure funding for local repairs.

An extreme weather event, confirmed by the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) as a tornado, struck Porto Santo on Friday evening, causing widespread property damage but no injuries. The storm resulted in dozens of incidents including fallen trees, power outages, and flooded buildings. Residents in the Madeira archipelago should remain cautious as yellow weather warnings (aviso amarelo) remain in place through Sunday.

The Portuguese Environment Agency (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente or APA) has announced a ‑111 million plan to repair coastal damage caused by winter storms. Approximately ‑15 million will be spent before the start of the bathing season (época balnear) in May to restore beach access and infrastructure. Beachgoers should note that nearly half of the planned repairs focus on improving safe access to the shoreline.

Of this amount, 35 million euros will be allocated to municipalities and intermunicipal entities affected by the recent storms that primarily hit the West region.

Around 51,000 people remain without phone or internet communications across 33 municipalities after recent severe weather, the Mission Structure (Estrutura de Missão) reports, while authorities have recorded about 139,500 claims totalling roughly €505 million. The government says it is processing thousands of requests for income support, home recovery and loans as repair work continues. Those affected should follow municipal and central-government notices about temporary support and restoration timetables.

One month after storm Kristin, Leiria hospital is still feeling the effects: in the first six hours after the storm 177 polytrauma patients arrived at the emergency department, staff worked without communications, roads remained blocked and many people reached the hospital in their own cars. Medical teams say the surge and infrastructure problems have left services stretched and recovery of normal operations is ongoing. Those relying on emergency care in the Leiria district should expect delays and follow local health unit notices.

The Council of Ministers approved a decree extending the storm support scheme and the simplified reconstruction regime from about 90 municipalities to the whole country, when damage can be shown to come from the recent storms. The measure, announced by the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, lets affected homeowners and businesses access faster procedures and reduced red tape for repairs. Property owners and those with storm damage should check municipal guidance on eligibility and the required documents; those unsure about proof requirements should contact their local Câmara.

Update: Minister resigns after storm response criticism

Media reporting and opinion pieces say successive storms exposed weaknesses in the state's emergency response, especially in Coimbra and Leiria, prompting wider public debate. The government has framed the recovery under the Portugal Transformation, Recovery and Resilience Programme (PTRR), while Civil Protection (Proteção Civil) rejected claims of service failure; the Minister of Internal Administration has since resigned, according to one outlet.

The Lisbon City Council has begun on‑site topographic surveys, geological tests and design work to stabilise a slope in the Graça neighbourhood after a weather‑related landslide, Dinheiro Vivo and RTP report. The council said it is preparing a construction procedure for slope stabilisation and improved drainage and has moved residents while work continues. Residents in Graça should follow the Câmara Municipal de Lisboa (Lisbon City Council) notices and expect site assessments and temporary access restrictions.

Residents of Alcácer do Sal have recounted distress from recent floods as authorities install housing blocks for displaced people, Correio da Manhã reports. Local services are providing temporary accommodation while recovery and damage assessments continue. Those in the affected area should contact the municipality for assistance and check insurance or emergency support options.

CNN Portugal publishes a practical guide on state assistance for people affected by the storms, outlining who may be eligible, what evidence is needed and how to apply for help tied to a state of calamity. The piece walks through municipal and central government steps to request emergency aid and links to forms and contact points. Residents and property owners in affected areas should check municipal guidance and deadlines to secure available support.

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.

Correio da Manhã reports Almada set up a support office after severe weather and landslides forced 476 people from their homes. The municipality is coordinating temporary shelter and assistance for those affected while monitoring further slope stability risks. Residents in the area should follow municipal guidance and local emergency updates.

The Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority (Autoridade de Supervisão de Seguros e Fundos de Pensões or ASF) says about 49% of homes exposed in municipalities hit by the storm did not have insurance covering storms or floods, RTP reports. Insurers have received roughly 114,000 claims and paid about €42 million so far, Correio da Manhã adds, signaling a large uninsured population and likely delays in payouts. Homeowners and renters should check their policies, submit claims promptly and expect processing times to be stretched.

The Aga Khan Foundation will donate €1.5 million to support reconstruction after recent floods and storms, with funds targeted at rebuilding schools, supporting students and families, and creating microforests, Diário de Notícias and Correio da Manhã report. The funding involves the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Foundation, and some uses are conditioned on educational and environmental projects in affected areas. Local municipalities and community groups should follow announcements about how funds will be allocated and which projects will receive support. Residents in heavily affected towns should check local council channels for how the donation may link to reconstruction plans.

Update: Donation aimed at schools, students and creating microforests

Diário de Notícias adds that the donation involves the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Foundation, led by Prince Rahim Aga Khan, and will focus on the most affected regions with conditions attaching funds to school rebuilding, student support and reforestation projects.

E-Redes reports roughly 11,000 customers in the areas hit by storm 'Kristin' were still without electricity as of 08:00, with the company urging caution and providing local updates. The figure covers affected localities and may change as crews restore lines and inspect damage. If you live in the affected areas, check E-Redes outage maps, follow local safety guidance and prepare for possible short-term supply interruptions. Homeowners with damage should document it for insurers and contact their electricity supplier.

Update: Público confirms 11,000 without electricity

Público reports the same E-Redes snapshot, saying about 11,000 customers remained without power in affected localities as of 08:00; restoration crews continue inspections and repair work.

President of the Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa urged starting discussions on a national disaster fund during a visit to flood-hit Alcácer do Sal, saying Portugal lacks a dedicated fund while other countries and the EU have one. He praised local leaders and volunteers, and said worsening storms make planning for collective responses sensible. Residents in flood-prone areas should monitor any proposed fund for details on eligibility and compensation mechanisms.

Update: Marcelo presses government during flood tour

Multiple outlets report the president used a visit to Alcácer do Sal to press the Government and propose a new disaster fund, saying Portugal should follow EU peers that already have such mechanisms. Observador and ECO noted the visit praised local officials and volunteers while also pushing for formal talks on how a fund would work.

Proteção Civil recorded 377 occurrences linked to the adverse weather by 18:00, the agency said. The tally covers rescues, floods and other emergency responses across the mainland as teams continue to manage local risks. Those in affected areas should follow municipal guidance and Proteção Civil updates for road closures and safety instructions.

Update: Lusa confirms 377 incidents at 18:00

Lusa's reporting on 14 February confirmed the Proteção Civil total of 377 occurrences as of 18:00, covering a mix of rescues, flood response and other weather-related incidents across the mainland.

The Portuguese Insurance Association (APS) said more than 100,000 claims have been filed after the recent bad weather, with about half reported in the last week. APS added that roughly 75% of cases have already seen initial assessment, advance payments or partial/total settlements, while others await documentation. Policyholders seeking payouts should contact their insurer promptly and check what documentation is needed for fast processing.

Update: APS says half of claims filed in recent week

Dinheiro Vivo and Observador report APS data showing just over 100,000 claims were filed (with about 50% lodged in the most recent week) and that roughly 75% of cases have received some assessment, advance payment or settlement; outstanding files are mainly waiting for paperwork.

Tourism of Portugal (Turismo de Portugal) has launched an emergency accommodation programme after the storm, making 815 units available across 55 municipalities and registering over 100 establishments so far. Access to the free rooms is granted on a municipal-council declaration and participating businesses can receive up to €60 per night to cover costs. The scheme is aimed at people displaced by the storms and at supporting local recovery; affected residents should contact their municipal council to request assistance.

A Público podcast and reporting say the storm has exposed deeper, long-standing problems in Portugal's rail network: the Linha do Oeste could be closed for around nine months while the Linha de Cascais is operating at about one-third capacity. The coverage contrasts relatively fast motorway repairs with slower rail recovery, notes CP's return to losses, and warns of lengthy service disruption and repair costs. Commuters and travellers should expect prolonged changes to schedules and check train operator updates before travel.

The government has indicated that the recovery of the A1 viaduct in Coimbra, which collapsed due to a dam burst on the Mondego River, could take several weeks. In response to the disaster, the Prime Minister has introduced new support measures for affected victims, including a dedicated Recovery and Resilience Plan for Portugal and an increase in credit lines for businesses from 500 million to 1 billion euros.

Update: Metrobus suburban section may reopen next week

RTP reports the suburban stretch of Coimbra's metrobus could reopen next week as water levels fall and repairs progress; authorities continue local assessments of infrastructure damage. Those in Coimbra should watch official local transport notices as services gradually return.