1 Killed & Thousands Evacuated Across Spain & Portugal due to Storm Leonardo

Storm Leonardo has left a trail of destruction across Spain and Portugal, killing at least one person, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes, and triggering widespread flooding across the Iberian Peninsula.

According to Spanish media reports, the storm brought torrential rain that pushed rivers and reservoirs to critical danger levels, prompting school closures and the suspension of train services in several regions.

In Portugal, civil protection authorities confirmed that a man in his 60s was found dead inside his car after it was swept away by floodwaters near a dam in the municipality of Serpa. 

The incident occurred as intense rainfall caused sudden surges in water levels across southern parts of the country.

Southern Spain has been among the hardest-hit areas. In the Andalusian town of Grazalema, more than 40 centimeters of rain fell within just 24 hours, an amount equivalent to Madrid’s average annual rainfall, according to Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).

The storm comes just one week after Storm Christine, which claimed six lives and left thousands without electricity, further straining emergency services. 

In response, Spanish authorities deployed extensive local and national resources to deal with the escalating crisis.

At least 3,500 people were evacuated in Andalusia due to flooding, while more than 1,200 emergency personnel and 400 military troops were mobilized to assist the most vulnerable areas. 

Helicopters and aircraft were also used to monitor high-risk zones, as AEMET warned of exceptional rainfall levels and the growing threat of floods and landslides.

Ronda’s mayor, María Paz Fernández, said the situation had worsened because the ground was no longer able to absorb additional rainfall, noting multiple landslides in surrounding rural areas.

In Portugal, authorities declared a state of emergency on Friday as the risk of river flooding increased, particularly in Alcácer do Sal, around 90 kilometers south of Lisbon.

Flooding from the Sado River has already submerged several areas earlier this week.

Portugal’s National Civil Protection Service warned that water levels could continue to rise in the coming days. 

The army has deployed around 1,600 personnel, including naval units using 35 inflatable boats, to rescue residents affected by the floods.

Meanwhile, power outages remain a major concern. Authorities reported that approximately 134,000 homes are without electricity as a result of recent storms, with around 95,000 affected in the Leiria region alone, according to the national electricity distribution company.

Emergency services in both countries remain on high alert as Storm Leonardo continues to impact the region, raising fears of further flooding and infrastructure damage.