Severe Flooding in Iberian Peninsula as Storm Leonardo Strikes
On Wednesday, Storm Leonardo unleashed devastating floods across the Iberian Peninsula, prompting widespread evacuations, school closures, and the cancellation of numerous train services.
In Portugal, tragedy struck when a man in his 60s was reported dead after being swept away by floodwaters while trying to navigate a submerged road in southeastern Portugal. The national civil protection authority confirmed the incident occurred near a dam in the municipality of Serpa, where emergency responders located the abandoned vehicle with one occupant.
Meanwhile, in Spain, the national weather agency AEMET issued a red alert for parts of the southern region of Andalusia due to “extraordinary” rainfall, warning of potential flooding and landslides. Antonio Sanz, Andalusia’s top emergency official, described the situation as “very worrying,” particularly in the mountainous municipality of Grazalema. Here, over 40 centimeters of rainfall was recorded in a single day—an amount that typically represents one year’s worth of rainfall for Madrid, according to AEMET spokesman Ruben del Campo.
The impact of the storm has been severe, with approximately 3,500 individuals evacuated in Andalusia alone. Hundreds of soldiers have been deployed to support rescue operations. In response to the weather conditions, all schools in Andalusia were closed, except for those in the easternmost province of Almeria. Additionally, nearly all suburban, regional, and long-distance trains across the region were canceled, as road conditions rendered bus replacements unviable. Many roads remained blocked, further complicating travel and emergency responses.
Portugal Faces Compounded Weather Challenges
The effects of Storm Leonardo are especially challenging for Portugal, which is still recovering from the aftermath of Storm Kristin, which struck the country the previous week. Storm Kristin resulted in at least five fatalities, numerous injuries, and left tens of thousands without power. Since last Sunday, Portugal’s emergency services have responded to over 3,300 incidents, primarily related to flooding, fallen trees, and landslides. More than 11,000 emergency personnel have been deployed, and around 200 residents were evacuated from central Portugal on Wednesday alone.
In Alcácer do Sal, located south of Lisbon, the Sado River overflowed, inundating the town’s main thoroughfare. The Minister for the Environment, Maria da Graça Carvalho, addressed journalists on Wednesday afternoon, voicing her concerns about the storm’s potential impact on Thursday, which is anticipated to be a peak period of adverse weather.
Carvalho noted that forecasts from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) suggest a further deterioration of weather conditions by Saturday and Sunday, although this is expected to be relatively mild. She also warned of “a new peak” of severe weather anticipated early next week, potentially around Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
Both the Lisbon region and the Algarve in the south are expected to experience their most intense rainfall and wind gusts overnight from Wednesday into Thursday, exacerbating the already critical situation across the Iberian Peninsula.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of Storm Leonardo, efforts continue to ensure the safety and well-being of affected residents. Emergency services and officials are advising vigilance as the storm’s ramifications unfold in the coming days.
Sources: AFP
