KEY POINTS
- A man in Portugal lost his life and a female in Spain remains missing following extreme flooding caused by Storm Leonardo.
- Heavy rainfall exceeding 40 centimeters in 24 hours triggered massive evacuations, road closures, and the suspension of rail services.
- Authorities are bracing for further impact as a new weather front, Storm Marta, is projected to arrive over the weekend.
Storm Leonardo has unleashed a wave of destruction across the Iberian Peninsula, leaving a trail of fatalities and missing persons in its wake. In southeastern Portugal, an elderly man died after floodwaters swept his vehicle off the road near a dam in Serpa. Emergency responders discovered the car submerged following a rapid rise in water levels.
Across the border in Spain, emergency teams are conducting an intensive search for a missing person in the Malaga province. Reports indicate she was dragged away by the Turvilla River in Sayalonga while attempting to rescue her dog. Although the animal managed to reach safety, rescue divers and helicopters have yet to locate her.
The storm brought “extraordinary” rainfall to the southern region of Andalusia, forcing the evacuation of approximately 3,500 residents. Spanish meteorological agency AEMET placed several districts under red alerts as riverbeds reached their capacity. The saturated soil has led to numerous landslides, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts in rural mountainous areas.
In Portugal, the town of Alcacer do Sal witnessed the Sado River breaching its banks, leaving streets waded in waist-deep water. Residents used sandbags to defend homes and shops, describing the scene as surreal. The government estimated that reconstruction from this and previous storms could exceed 4 billion euros.
Transportation networks have faced significant disruptions, with Renfe canceling major rail services across southern Spain. Dozens of roads remain closed due to flooding and debris, preventing even bus replacement services from operating. Schools in the hardest-hit provinces have suspended classes until weather conditions stabilize.
Scientists note that this event is part of a “storm train,” a series of extreme weather events intensified by climate change. Leonardo is the sixth major storm to batter the region this year. Officials remain on high alert as they prepare for the imminent arrival of Storm Marta.
