Latest news and stories about storm damage in Portugal for expats and residents.
There are hundreds of people who are excluded from state support to address the damages caused by the storm Kristin. Houses built as annexes, tenants, people who simply do not know how to apply for help.
Home News Calls for fire prevention plan in Portugal Calls for fire prevention plan in Portugal The president of the Portuguese Firefighters League ( LBP) today called for an emergency plan for fire prevention in light of the damage caused by Storm Kristin, which destroyed access roads for civil
This article provides an overview of Portugal, highlighting recent political, sporting, and social developments: - Presidential Election: Portugal is preparing for its upcoming presidential election, with a record 11 candidates running. The campaign period is two weeks ahead of the January 18 vote, making a runoff likely. - Sports: Cristiano Ronaldo aims to reach 1,000 career goals, currently at 956, as he continues to make headlines with his performances, including scoring in World Cup qualifiers. Portugal's national team is active in international friendlies and qualifiers, with recent matches against Ireland, Norway, and others. - Political and Social Events: Portugal has experienced significant protests and strikes, including a major general strike affecting travel and public services, and demonstrations against labor reforms. The country is also dealing with storm damage in the Algarve region. - Other Notable News: Portugal is hosting international events like the World Cup, with matches involving Portugal and other nations. The country is also involved in regional and global issues, such as participating in peace talks and addressing domestic political changes. Overall, Portugal is currently focused on its upcoming elections, active in international sports, and experiencing social and environmental challenges.
Approximately 1,800 customers of E-Redes in areas affected by storm Kristin remained without electricity as of 5:00 PM on February 22. The EDP group company stated it is focused on restoring electricity supply. Earlier, 4,500 customers were reported without power. The storms have caused significant damage, resulting in 18 fatalities and affecting 90,000 students due to school closures. The Central, Lisbon and Tagus Valley, and Alentejo regions were the most impacted, with estimated damages in Seixal around 15 million euros.
Home News Investigating overpriced roof tiles after storms in Portugal Investigating overpriced roof tiles after storms in Portugal The ASAE (Food and Economic Security Authority) has opened two criminal proceedings for the sale of roof tiles above the advertised price in the municipalities of Ba
Storm Kristin inflicted severe damage on Portugal’s telecommunications infrastructure, leaving thousands without phone or internet service and creating uncertainty about the full scale of losses. Anabela Campos of Expresso’s Economy section analyses the technical and organisational challenges of recovery: assessing fibre and mast damage, restoring power-dependent sites, coordinating operators and emergency services, and prioritising public-safety links. The piece outlines short-term fixes (temporary radio links, generator deployment, mobile cells) and longer-term resilience measures (network redundancy, hardening infrastructure, investment and regulatory incentives), while stressing the need for clear damage assessment and co‑operation between public authorities and private operators to minimise disruption and protect vulnerable communities.
“What we want, fundamentally, is for the support and solutions to arrive, to ensure that people can return to their normality as quickly as possible,” said the leader of IL.
In addition to the damage caused by the storm, the company Adelino Duarte da Mota was suffering losses due to its inability to produce. The solution was found in its own energy, which is now also lighting up 150 homes.
Zero and AEPRA warn about broken and abandoned asbestos cement sheets on public roads after the storm. The DGS emphasizes that handling these waste materials can release cancer-causing fibres.
The storm continues to cause visible damage and losses for residents. Several parishes in Leiria remain without electricity.
The Culture Minister revealed today at the Convent of Christ that the low-pressure system Kristin has already caused damage to more than 50 national monuments, with the Government estimating that around €20 million will be needed for repair and restoration work.
The passage of Storm Kristin caused significant damage to over 50 Portuguese monuments, including the Charolinha of Mata dos Sete Montes in Tomar, which was completely destroyed, and the Convent of Christ, a World Heritage Site, which suffered extensive damage.
Delfim, 74, told CMTV that he thought he was going to be left homeless on the night the storm devastated the country.
The passage of Storm Kristin was devastating, causing at least ten fatalities.
Seven days after the storm that swept through the Leiria region, debris is being cleared at the S. Pedro de Moel campsite.
Pedro Bianchi Prata shared a video showing his training centre destroyed.
Six cypresses that stood inside the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória in Batalha, in the district of Leiria, fell following the passage of Storm Kristin, the monument's director said today.
On the night the depression Kristin passed through Marinha Grande, Martim woke to the sound of the wind and began filming, thinking it might be “a comical situation” to share on social media — until he realised the winds, which reached speeds of 204 km/h, had completely taken the roof off the house where he lived.
Glass panes, roof tiles and tarpaulins to repair roofs, and generators, lanterns, batteries and gas stoves to supply homes are the main items sought by those affected by Storm Kristin.
The Convent of Christ and the monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, listed by UNESCO, are in the area of the country most affected by the storm system named Kristin. Six cypress trees fell in the cloisters of the latter.
Two people have died and more than 400 were injured during recovery operations following Storm Kristin, with many casualties caused by collapsing roofs weakened in the storm. Emergency services continue to respond as local authorities warn residents to prioritise personal safety over salvaging belongings, stressing the high risk of further roof collapses and structural damage. The incident highlights the ongoing strain on rescue and repair resources, the need for clear public-safety messaging, and the importance of coordinated inspections before re-entering damaged buildings. Authorities urge calm, adherence to safety instructions, and support for vulnerable households affected by the storm.
If Storm Kristin has damaged your home, car or other possessions, act quickly and methodically to activate your insurance cover. First secure people and property, photograph and timestamp all damage, and make temporary repairs where necessary to prevent further loss. Notify your insurer as soon as possible, check your policy for cover, excesses and time limits, and keep a written record of every contact and expense. For vehicles follow insurer guidance about repairers and avoid admitting liability; for homes document building and contents separately and retain receipts for emergency repairs. Common mistakes to avoid include delayed reporting, inadequate evidence, disposing of damaged items, using unapproved contractors without consent, and agreeing on settlements without written confirmation—knowing your consumer rights and the insurer complaints process will help if disputes arise.
Only around 25% of Portugal’s properties and infrastructure are insured against natural disasters, a weakness exposed by a recent week of severe storms. Material damages are still being assessed while major multi-risk insurers — notably Fidelidade, Generali Tranquilidade and Ageas — are accelerating claims handling on the ground. The low insurance penetration highlights underinsurance and significant fiscal and economic exposure, creating both reputational and commercial opportunities for insurers to expand coverage. Analysts say the event underscores the need for faster claims processes, clearer public–private risk-sharing mechanisms, targeted incentives to raise uptake, and investments in resilience and risk mapping as climate-driven extreme weather becomes more frequent.
Depression Kristin, following storm Joseph, is set to cross Portugal and has prompted Civil Protection to raise the special state of readiness to level 4 along the coastal strip from Viana do Castelo to Setúbal. Authorities expect the most critical period around 04:00; by 22:00 more than 1,500 incidents had been recorded and one person died in Vila Franca de Xira after a tree fell on a car. This minute-by-minute briefing tracks developments, emergency responses and public-safety impacts as the situation unfolds.