Lisbon: Europe is grappling with Storm Christine, causing extensive damage in Portugal, with five deaths reported so far. Spain has also been affected.
According to Thai News Agency, at least five people have died after Storm Christine battered central and northern Portugal, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and damage. The Civil Protection Agency reported that three people died in the hardest-hit area of Leiria, one killed by falling metal sheets, another by a collapsing building structure, and another by a tree falling on a car. In the coastal town of Figueira da Foz, a Ferris wheel was toppled by strong winds and numerous cars were damaged.
The government described the storm as a severe weather phenomenon, forcing school closures, disrupting travel, and damaging numerous buildings. Heavy rain and winds reaching 150 kilometers per hour resulted in more than 3,000 weather-related accidents nationwide. Many people were hit by falling trees or debris, while over 850,000 people were without power. Transportation across the country was severely disrupted. Authorities issued a red alert for 10 coastal areas due to rough seas, with waves potentially reaching 14 meters.
After passing through Portugal, Storm Christine moved into eastern Spain, bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds, causing widespread damage. Schools were closed, roads were blocked, and hundreds of thousands of people were without power. A red alert for strong winds was issued in parts of the southeastern city of Almeria. In Madrid, heavy snowfall blanketed the city, affecting traffic on major highways. Schools were closed, and some train services were disrupted due to fallen trees blocking the tracks.
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