Thousands Evacuated as Storm Hits Spain, Portugal
Storm Leonardo unleashed a deluge across the Iberian Peninsula on February 4, 2026, prompting emergency evacuations and widespread chaos in southern Spain and Portugal. With rain measuring up to 35 centimeters (14 inches) within 24 hours, thousands found themselves forced from their homes, schools were shuttered, and train services were abruptly canceled.
Intensifying Storm Conditions
– The Spanish weather agency AEMET issued a red alert for parts of Andalusia due to the torrential rainfall.
– According to AEMET spokesperson Ruben del Campo, the region was experiencing an extraordinary amount of rain at a time when the ground was already saturated, leading to dangerously high river levels.
– Ronda’s mayor, Maria Paz Fernandez, noted that the ground can no longer absorb the relentless downpours, highlighting numerous landslides in rural areas.
– Emergency official Antonio Sanz described the situation in the mountainous municipality of Grazalema as very worrying, predicting further rainfall totaling 35 centimeters.
Evacuations and Emergency Responses
– Approximately 3,500 people were evacuated in Andalusia because of the storm, with over 650 incidents reported, though fortunately, no major damages occurred.
– One individual sustained injuries from a building collapse, underscoring the storm’s dangers.
– Footage released by Spanish police illustrated flooded landscapes and torrents of water inundating buildings and vehicles.
– To assist, hundreds of soldiers were deployed, and nearly all schools in Andalusia closed, with Almeria being the only province to remain open.
– State railway company Renfe canceled most suburban, regional, and long-distance trains across Andalusia, leaving no bus replacement options available due to road closures.
Effects in Portugal
In Portugal, emergency services responded to over 3,300 incidents since the onset of the storm, with issues predominantly related to flooding, landslides, and fallen trees. Key facts include:
– More than 11,000 emergency responders were mobilized, and around 200 residents were evacuated in central Portugal on the same day.
– In Alcacer do Sal, south of Lisbon, the Sado River overflowed, submerging the town’s main avenue.
– The Lisbon region and the Algarve experienced the worst impacts, with rain and wind expected to peak overnight from Wednesday to Thursday.
– Following the previous week’s Storm Kristin, which resulted in five fatalities and numerous injuries, tens of thousands remained without power.
Conclusion
Storm Leonardo’s impact across Spain and Portugal serves as a stark reminder of the increasing severity of extreme weather events, driven by climate change. As communities recover, the need for effective emergency responses and infrastructure resilience remains a critical focus. Evacuations and emergency actions are paramount as these countries face the challenges posed by relentless storms.