Portugal Storms Unleash Fury: 16 Dead, Thousands Evacuated

Portugal is facing severe consequences from relentless storms, which have resulted in 16 fatalities and widespread power outages affecting 39,000 residents. Thousands were compelled to evacuate their homes as river levels critically rose, with one major motorway segment collapsing due to a dike breach. This ongoing extreme weather, described as the longest in memory, has also impacted Spain with severe warnings and disruptions.

Experts and scientists are highlighting Portugal's inadequate preparation for climate change impacts. They argue that current land-use planning remains outdated, failing to account for present and future climate realities. Efforts by NGOs to provide safety guidance for roof repairs were reportedly rejected by local authorities, underscoring a critical gap in disaster response and public safety measures.

The government's handling of the crisis has drawn significant criticism from opposition parties, leading to the interior minister's resignation. Political leaders have voiced concerns about the administration's ability to manage national adversities, including recent fires and these devastating storms.