Portugal urged to adapt to climate emergency after deadly storms

A prolonged series of storms in Portugal has killed at least 16 people and forced thousands to evacuate, prompting calls for climate adaptation and the interior minister's resignation.

Portugal is being hit by a prolonged series of storms that have killed at least 16 people and displaced hundreds. Thousands have been evacuated after rivers reached critical levels, including more than 3,000 people in the Coimbra area, and part of the A1 motorway collapsed when a dyke gave way. The storms, which began at the end of January, have cut power to tens of thousands and caused widespread damage estimated at €775 million. Scientists and some experts have urged the government to draw up plans to adapt to a changing climate, and the interior minister resigned amid criticism over the response. Key facts: - At least 16 people have died in the storms. - More than 3,000 people were evacuated from the Coimbra area and hundreds displaced across the country. - Power outages affected about 39,000 people and damage is estimated at €775 million. - A dyke breach on the Mondego River led to flooding and a section of the A1 motorway collapsed. - Interior minister Maria Lúcia Amaral resigned amid public criticism of the emergency response. Summary: The storms have resulted in deaths, large evacuations and major infrastructure damage, increasing pressure on authorities to improve climate adaptation planning. Scientists say current land-use planning is not aligned with present and future climate conditions, and the government's response has been publicly criticised. Undetermined at this time.