Portugal's Interior Minister Steps Down Amid Storm Crisis
Portugal's interior minister, Maria Lúcia Amaral, has been compelled to resign following widespread public outrage over her management of a severe climate emergency. Her departure comes as the nation grapples with an unprecedented series of deadly storms that have resulted in at least 16 fatalities and extensive destruction.
Unprecedented Weather Ravages the Country
The extreme weather events, described by scientists as the longest train of storms within living memory, have battered central and southern Portugal since late January. These storms have led to the evacuation of over 3,000 people from the Coimbra area, where the Mondego River reached critical levels. Additionally, a section of the A1 motorway collapsed after a dyke on the river gave way under floodwater pressure.
Across the country, hundreds more individuals have been displaced, with power cuts affecting 39,000 residents. The total damage is estimated at a staggering €775 million (£675 million), highlighting the severe economic impact of the ongoing crisis.
Criticism Over Lack of Climate Adaptation
Experts have sharply criticised Portugal's failure to adapt to the increasing frequency of extreme weather plaguing the Iberian peninsula. Pedro Matos Soares, an atmospheric physicist, emphasised during a University of Lisbon conference that the country is unprepared for current climate conditions, let alone future scenarios. He pointed out that land-use planning still reflects outdated climate norms from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Nuno Martins, a professor of architecture and climate change adaptation, reported tragic incidents where victims died while attempting roof repairs with donated tarpaulins in central Portugal, with hundreds more injured in falls. His NGO, Building 4Humanity, created a safety manual for roof repairs, but local authorities rejected its distribution, citing complications.
Political Fallout and Public Desperation
The resignation of Interior Minister Amaral has intensified political tensions, with opposition leaders accusing the centre-right government, led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, of mishandling the emergency. José Luís Carneiro of the socialist party labelled the resignation as proof of governmental failure, while far-right leader André Ventura criticised Montenegro's inability to manage crises like fires and storms.
Amid the chaos, residents express desperation, with one woman in Coimbra describing her emotional distress over her mother's collapsing house and understanding why people risk their lives on roofs. The human toll extends beyond immediate injuries, with fears of lifelong disabilities for many affected individuals.
Regional Impact and Warnings
Neighbouring Spain is also suffering from the extreme weather, with the state meteorological office issuing orange and red warnings for the north coast, predicting waves up to nine metres tall. In Catalonia, schools closed, flights were cancelled at Barcelona's El Prat airport, and one person was seriously injured by a falling tree, with 24 others hurt. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors to minimise risks.
As Portugal faces ongoing storms and mounting pressure to implement climate adaptation strategies, the crisis underscores the urgent need for updated policies and preparedness to mitigate future disasters.
