Seven individuals sustained injuries as Storm Martinho swept across Portugal, causing significant disruptions, particularly to rail traffic, local emergency services reported on Thursday.
“The situation is now stabilized,” stated Prime Minister Luis Montenegro during a European Council meeting in Brussels, adding that emergency services are working diligently “to restore normalcy” and assist affected populations.
The Lisbon area has been identified as the “most impacted” region by the storm, which began its passage through the country on Wednesday evening, according to Alexandre Penha, head of the National Civil Protection Authority, during a press conference.
“It was a very difficult and violent night for the city,” remarked Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas, noting that six of the injuries occurred within the capital.
On Wednesday, strong winds had already caused one injury due to a falling tree.
Additionally, numerous train services faced disruptions on Thursday, with some lines completely suspended in the Lisbon region, as well as in central and northern areas of the country, owing to fallen trees and other debris, according to the railway company.
Winds reached speeds of up to 120 km/h in certain areas, resulting in the closure of several roads and the collapse of power pylons and other structures. They also damaged vehicles, boats, and small aircraft at an airfield near the capital, as reported by local media.
