Spain and Portugal have been struck by Storm Marta, the third significant storm to impact the Iberian Peninsula in recent weeks. This latest weather system has further complicated the recovery efforts from previous heavy rainfall and deadly flooding that have caused extensive damage across both countries.
Emergency response and evacuations in Portugal
In Portugal, over 26,500 rescuers have been mobilized in response to the storm, which has prompted three municipalities to delay Sunday’s presidential election until next week. Authorities have issued warnings for the possibility of further flooding, as rising waters have already blocked hundreds of roads, disrupted train services, and necessitated the evacuation of thousands.
“The forecast is extremely worrying,” said Mario Silvestre, commander of Portugal’s civil protection agency, highlighting that wind gusts could reach up to 110 kilometers per hour along with the threat of landslides and flash floods.
Portugal is still reeling from the effects of Storm Kristin, which resulted in five fatalities, hundreds of injuries, and left tens of thousands without electricity. Just earlier this week, Storm Leonardo claimed one life and forced the evacuation of 1,100 people across the country.
Notably, Alcácer do Sal has seen significant flooding as the Sado River overflowed, displacing residents from the city located approximately 90 kilometers south of Lisbon. The National Meteorological Institute (IPMA) has issued an orange alert for the entire coastline due to hazardous sea conditions, with waves reaching heights of up to 13 meters. Additionally, eight of the 18 mainland districts, particularly in central and southern Portugal, are under similar alerts.
“All river basins remain under severe pressure,” a spokesperson for the National Civil Protection Authority indicated, particularly mentioning the Tagus River near Lisbon and the Sado River to the south. Jose Pimenta Machado, president of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), noted that successive atmospheric depressions have led to the release of “a volume of water equivalent to the country’s annual consumption” in just three days. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has stated that the damage inflicted by the storms is estimated to exceed €4 billion.
Spain braces for more heavy rainfall
In Spain, the southern region, particularly Andalusia, has also been placed on orange alert due to the impending storm. The national meteorological agency Aemet has reported that while heavy rain and violent storms are expected, they anticipate the rainfall to be less “exceptional” than that experienced during the recent Leonardo storm, which resulted in two fatalities, including a woman who was swept away by a river in Andalusia.
Fresh rainfall in Andalusia on Saturday compounds the prior downpours that have caused significant flooding, landslides, and the evacuation of over 10,000 individuals from their homes. Juan Manuel Moreno, president of the Andalusia region, expressed concern, stating, “The rivers have hit their limit.”
Following an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in southern Spain near Cadiz, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez cautioned that “difficult days” are ahead for the region due to the “very dangerous” weather predictions. Many roads remain closed as a precaution, and rail services have largely been suspended, with authorities urging residents to minimize travel during this hazardous period.
Experts attribute the increasing intensity and frequency of such extreme weather events—such as the recent floods and heatwaves—to human-driven climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for addressing these environmental challenges.