An 85-year-old British woman has died after a tornado struck a campsite and hotel in Albufeira, Portugal, during Storm Claudia. Her body was discovered in the rubble of the HolaCamp site, where she had been staying. The extreme weather event, described by authorities as an 'extreme wind phenomenon', also left 28 others injured.
The victim was initially reported missing before being found. Holidaymakers fled for cover as fierce winds sent debris flying. Portugal's weather agency indicated a 'high probability' that the phenomenon was a tornado. A source from the agency stated: 'It was a phenomenon of strong winds, an extreme wind phenomenon, that affected two units, a campsite and a hotel unit.'
Police confirmed that the injured include British, Portuguese, and Spanish nationals, aged between six and 86. The Hotel Eden was also struck, with 19 people injured, one seriously. Two others were seriously injured at the campsite where the British pensioner died.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed solidarity with the victim's family. Albufeira Mayor Rui Cristina described the scene as 'truly devastating' and offered condolences, stating: 'We are working with all municipal resources and civil protection agencies to support the victims and restore safety and normality as quickly as possible.'
