Chaos in Iberia: Storm Leonardo Unleashes Fury

Storm Leonardo has caused widespread chaos across Spain and Portugal, unleashing ferocious winds and heavy flooding that have submerged towns and shut down motorways. A man in his 60s tragically died in southeastern Portugal after being swept away by powerful flood currents. Torrential rain and gusts up to 100 km/h triggered landslides and even three minor earthquakes in Gaucin, Spain, attributed to underground water movements.

Thousands of residents have been evacuated across Andalusia, Spain, with building collapses reported and injuries sustained. Madrid experienced significant disruption as the M14 motorway was shut due to flooding, affecting access to the capital's main airport. Seville's historic Giralda tower sustained damage from strong winds. A woman is missing near the Costa del Sol after entering a river to rescue her dog.

Portugal has also been severely impacted, with over 3,300 incidents reported, including flooding and landslides. Towns like Alcacer do Sal, south of Lisbon, were inundated as the Sado river overflowed its banks. The extreme weather, exacerbated by climate change, follows a series of severe storms in the region, leaving a trail of destruction and ongoing recovery efforts.