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Storm Kristin Hits Portugal and Spain
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Storm Kristin Hits Portugal and Spain

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David ParkDavid Park
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Storm Kristin Hits Portugal and Spain

At least five people have been killed and hundreds of thousands left without power as Storm Kristin tore through central and northern Portugal, causing widespread damage and disruption. The storm, described as an "extreme climactic event" by the government, brought heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 150km per hour, resulting in over 3,000 weather-related incidents.

Key Highlights

  • At least five people have been killed in Portugal due to Storm Kristin
  • Over 850,000 people lost power on Wednesday, according to electricity distributor E-Redes
  • The storm caused widespread damage, including flooding, landslides, and destroyed buildings
  • Ten coastal areas were placed under a red weather warning due to dangerous sea conditions
  • The strongest winds were recorded at the Monte Real air base in Leiria, with gusts of 178km per hour
  • Storm Kristin also affected Spain, bringing snow, rain, and strong winds
  • The storm caused disruption across Spain, with schools, roads, and train lines closed
  • Hundreds of thousands of people were left without power in Spain

The Deep Context

Storm Kristin's impact on Portugal and Spain is a result of the storm's intense winds and heavy rainfall. According to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), the storm brought waves of up to 14m (45ft,11in) to the coastal areas, resulting in dangerous sea conditions. The civil protection agency (ANEPC) reported that three people had died in the central district of Leiria, one of the worst-affected areas. The Prime Minister's office confirmed the deaths, describing the storm as an "extreme climate event". The Spanish national weather agency (AEMET) warned of very strong winds in some areas, with gusts expected to reach hurricane force. As reported by MSN, the storm toppled trees, damaged homes, and left more than 800,000 people without power. Yahoo News also reported that several cars were damaged in one coastal area after the roof of a university collapsed. The Anadolu Agency reported that hurricane-strength wind gusts and heavy rain left widespread damage and hundreds of thousands without power.

Voices from the Streets

The impact of Storm Kristin on the people of Portugal and Spain has been significant. As reported by The Sun, at least five people have been killed by the storm, with many more affected by the widespread damage and disruption. The Mayor of Leiria urged the government to declare a state of emergency, stating that the city's public spaces had been "turned upside down" and that the impact was similar to what a bomb could mean in the city. The Prime Minister of Portugal expressed condolences to the victims' families and stated that the authorities were assessing the damage and would take "whatever measures are necessary". As reported by MSN, Storm Kristin killed at least four people overnight as it barrelled through central and northern Portugal.

Legislative & Jurisdictional Conflict

The response to Storm Kristin has been a subject of discussion among the authorities. The Portuguese government has been criticized for its handling of the crisis, with some calling for a state of emergency to be declared. The Spanish government has also been working to respond to the storm's impact, with the AEMET warning of very strong winds in some areas. As reported by Yahoo News, the Prime Minister's office confirmed the deaths from what it described as an "extreme climate event". The European Union has also been involved in the response, with the European Commission providing support to the affected countries.

Projections & Critical Questions

The impact of Storm Kristin on Portugal and Spain will be felt for some time. The IPMA has warned of further bad weather, with the potential for more storms to hit the region. The AEMET has also warned of the potential for more strong winds and heavy rainfall. The Portuguese government has stated that it will take "whatever measures are necessary" to respond to the crisis, but the full extent of the damage and the response required is still unclear. As reported by The Sun, the storm has already caused significant disruption to travel and daily life, and it is likely that the impact will be felt for some time.

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