Storm Leonardo Causes Devastating Impact Across Spain and Portugal: Evacuations, Casualties, and Weather Forecasts
Heavy rains and fierce winds from Storm Leonardo have wreaked havoc across parts of Spain and Portugal, resulting in at least two fatalities and prompting the evacuation of over 7,000 residents. The extreme weather has also raised concerns about the scheduled second-round of Portugal’s presidential election, leading to calls for postponement.
The storm, which hit the Iberian Peninsula this week, has led the Portuguese government to extend its state of calamity across 69 municipalities until mid-February. The tempest has already claimed the life of a man in Portugal, and authorities in southern Spain reported recovering the body of a woman swept away by floodwaters in Andalucía.
This recent weather catastrophe follows a series of severe storms that have impacted both countries in recent weeks, resulting in multiple casualties. During this storm, Andalucía authorities have issued evacuations for areas near the Guadalquivir River in Córdoba, where residential zones faced significant flooding risks. Pedestrian traffic on Córdoba’s historic Roman bridge has also been suspended due to safety concerns.
Regional officials estimate that around 1,500 residents in the mountain village of Grazalema have been displaced as water infiltrated homes, cascading down the village’s steep cobbled streets. Juan Manuel Moreno, the regional president, warned of potential landslides due to saturated aquifers in the Grazalema mountains, which could create hazardous sinkholes.
In Cádiz province, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez underscored the challenges ahead, stating that “complicated days lie ahead” and urging the public to remain cautious. The central government has mobilized approximately 10,000 emergency personnel to assist in affected areas, working in coordination with regional authorities.
The agricultural sector is also feeling the effects, particularly in the olive harvest, with losses in the province of Jaén estimated at €200 million (approximately £174 million). This financial hit adds to the ongoing challenges faced by farmers amid adverse weather conditions.
Spain’s meteorological agency (Aemet) has issued orange weather alerts for parts of Galicia and yellow alerts for numerous coastal regions and the Balearic Islands. Aemet spokesperson Rubén del Campo noted that more heavy rain is expected, with Storm Marta forecasted to arrive, potentially exacerbating the current flooding situation.
On Friday morning, the River Douro overflowed in Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto, causing minor flooding in riverside areas. Additionally, significant parts of Alcácer do Sal remain flooded, creating ongoing challenges for residents.
Mario Silvestre, commander of Portugal’s ANEPC civil protection service, raised alarms about possible flooding along six major rivers, including the Tagus, asserting that the country faces its most significant flood threat in nearly three decades.
As the storm’s impact continues, discussions about postponing Portugal’s presidential election have intensified. André Ventura, leader of the far-right Chega party, advocated for delaying the vote by a week to ensure equitable participation for all Portuguese citizens. However, the national electoral authority clarified that adverse weather or emergencies are not sufficient grounds for postponing the election.
The devastating effects of Storm Leonardo underscore a troubling trend: scientists highlight that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events across the region. With many regions already vulnerable, the implications of such storms raise critical concerns for both humanitarian and environmental considerations in the Iberian Peninsula.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, Agence France-Presse
