Storm Marta's Fury: Spain and Portugal Face Heavy Rain, Emergency Worker Drowns

Storm Marta's Fury: Spain and Portugal Face Severe Weather

Spain and Portugal endured devastating storms and floods on Saturday, leading to widespread evacuations and transport disruptions across the Iberian Peninsula. Storm Marta, named after a volunteer emergency worker who drowned in floodwaters, caused significant damage with over 26,500 rescue workers deployed and hundreds of roads blocked.

Earlier storms like Kristin and Leonardo have exacerbated the situation, adding to the tragic toll of casualties. In Spain, Andalusia issued orange alerts while the northwest faced severe weather warnings. Authorities evacuated more than 11,000 residents, closed key infrastructure, and postponed events due to safety concerns.

Portugal’s Tagus River remained at high risk, but the Sado River began to recede. A volunteer emergency worker in Campo Maior became the latest victim, marking another tragic loss in a series of deadly storms.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro called 2026 an unusually violent year, with dams releasing record water volumes in just three days. The Iberian Peninsula is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, impacting not only Spain and Portugal but also Morocco, where severe storms have displaced around 150,000 people.

Authorities are working tirelessly to manage the crisis, with rescue operations ongoing and efforts to restore normality underway.