Storm Leonardo Causes Death and Destruction in Spain and Portugal
Heavy flooding caused by Storm Leonardo resulted in one death in Portugal and the search for a missing girl in Spain on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The storm brought torrential rain and strong winds to the Iberian Peninsula, causing widespread flooding, evacuations, and damage.
In Portugal, a man in his 60s died in the Alentejo region after his car was swept away by floodwaters, according to Sky News. Euronews reported that around 200 people were evacuated across the country, with the town of Alcácer do Sal particularly affected. Waist-deep water covered the town's main avenue after the Sado River overflowed, despite efforts to protect shops with sandbags. Since Sunday, emergency teams have responded to over 3,300 incidents, including floods, fallen trees, and landslides.
Spain also faced severe flooding, particularly in the Andalusia region. Euronews reported that approximately 4,000 people were evacuated due to the storm. The village of Grazalema in Cadiz experienced over 600 liters of rain per square meter in just 36 hours, leading to flooded streets and rivers bursting their banks, according to AEMET. Schools were closed, and rail and road links were suspended in several areas. Police in Cadiz waded through waist-deep water to rescue people trapped in an abandoned building. Civil Guard officers were searching for a woman missing near Malaga, believed to have fallen into a swollen river while trying to cross it.
The storm, which struck the Iberian Peninsula on Tuesday, caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure, forcing many residents to flee. Forecasters warned that another storm was approaching, raising concerns about further flooding and disruption.
Discussion
AI Experts & Community
Be the first to comment