Lisbon. The stormy season that started in Portugal from the end of January is not showing signs of stopping. The devastating storms coming one after the other in the country have caused huge devastation, in which so far 11 people have lost their lives. The latest incident is from the Serpa region of southern Portugal, where a 64-year-old man died near the Amoreira Dam. According to National Republican Guard officials, the man was trying to cross the road in his car when his car was swept away by the strong current of the flash flood. Portugal has been hit by several powerful storm systems in recent times, with Hurricane Kristin proving to be the most deadly. Amidst this destructive sequence, now Hurricane Leonardo has also started affecting the country, which is hampering the relief operations.
Given the seriousness of the natural disaster, Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has announced a huge aid package of 2.5 billion euros to help affected families and businesses. After the emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers, the government has decided to extend the state of national disaster implemented in the country till February 8. The objective of this economic package is to reconstruct houses, provide financial assistance to families suffering loss of income and provide cash to distressed businesses. Apart from this, provision has also been made to provide major relief in taxes and loan payments. Under the assistance scheme, the government will provide a direct grant of up to a maximum of 10 thousand euros for the reconstruction of uninsured main houses and for agricultural and forestry works. Families whose livelihoods have been affected will receive assistance at the rate of 537 euros per person, with a maximum limit of 10,075 euros per family. A waiver of social security contributions for six months and a special temporary layoff scheme have been introduced for traders in the affected areas. Also, a moratorium of 90 days has been given on loans to homes and businesses, which can be extended up to 12 months depending on the situation. The government has also launched two special credit facilities worth 1.5 billion euros to provide stability to the economy. In addition, additional budget has been allocated to repair damaged transport infrastructure, public buildings and cultural heritage. Currently districts such as Leiria, Coimbra, Santarém and the capital Lisbon are the most affected by storms. The Meteorological Department has issued a warning that the conditions may remain challenging in the coming days, due to which the administration is fully alert.
Prime Minister called a meeting to announce the relief package
After the devastation caused by Hurricane Kristin with a speed of 200 kilometers per hour last week, the threat of Hurricane Leonardo is now looming. According to the Portuguese Meteorological Department (IPMA), wind speeds could reach up to 95 km per hour in many parts of the country, causing serious risk of flooding and disruption of transport services. In Portugal, 11 people have lost their lives due to these storm systems since the end of January. In the latest case, a car was swept away by strong flood currents in the Serpa region of southern Portugal, resulting in the death of a 64-year-old man. Given the seriousness of the situation, Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has announced an aid package of 2.5 billion euros for affected families and businessmen. The government has extended the state of national disaster until February 8. Through this financial assistance, reconstruction and income assistance will be provided to the homeless people. The administration has given strict instructions to citizens to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel.