Storm-hit Portugal heads to polls

Isak Fritzon

Published 13.30

 

A flooded street after heavy rains in Alcácer do Sal, southern Portugal. Photo: Ana Brigida/AP

Portugal is being hit by storms and flooding.

Thirteen regions have issued orange warnings.

In the eye of the storm, the country is set to vote for a new president. 

 

Quick version

• Portugal has issued orange weather warnings for 13 regions due to high waves, heavy rain and snowfall.

• At least seven people have died in the storms since the start of the year, and experts warn that the current flooding could develop into a so-called 100-year flood.

• Despite the stormy weather, a second round of the presidential election in Portugal will be held on Sunday.

An orange warning has been issued for high waves, heavy rain and snow in 13 of the country's 18 regions, Público reports.

Several regions are also warned of strong winds, which can locally reach storm force. In mountainous areas in northern  Portugal, the winds on Saturday could reach hurricane force.

At the same time, the Tagus, Sado, Mondego and Guadiana rivers have overflowed.

According to experts, this is probably a so-called 20-year flood, but in the worst case it could develop into a 100-year flood.

A 100-year flood does not mean that it happens every hundred years, but that there is a one percent risk of such a large-scale flood occurring in a given year.

            

            

           Flooded streets in Portugal.

           1 / 2Photo: Ana Brigida /AP/TT

Criticism over holding the vote

At least seven people have died in the repeated storms in Portugal since the beginning of the year. A man in his 60s died on Thursday after his car was submerged in the flood-hit area of ​​Serpa.

The Brazilian government “deeply regrets the loss of life and the material and environmental damage.”

Meanwhile, the Portuguese are set to head to the polls on Sunday.

The second round of the presidential election will be held then. This is happening despite criticism and calls to postpone the vote until the storm has subsided, reports RTP.

 

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Photo: Pascal Bastien /AP/TT