Storm Leonardo hit Spain and Portugal on 3 February, just a week after Storm Kristin had killed six people in Portugal. Rivers and dams in southern Spain’s Andalusia were at “extreme” risk of overflowing, and in Portugal the Sado River flooded the town of Alcácer do Sal.
By 7 February, the floods had killed at least two people and forced more than 11,000 from their homes. A third storm, Marta, was on its way, and three Portuguese towns postponed a presidential vote.
extremely worrying
Mario Silvestre, commander, Portugal’s civil protection agency, on the forecast for Storm Marta
Drought, then deluge
Spain and Portugal had spent years worrying about too little water. This winter brought the opposite. Saturated ground meant each new storm ran straight into rivers, and in Andalusia an overwhelmed sewage system sent water gushing from homes.
Portugal’s economy minister said rebuilding after Storm Kristin alone could cost more than €4 billion.
What better water planning changes
- Storage: reservoirs managed to catch heavy rain and save it for dry years.
- Safety: drains and sewers that cope with extreme rain.
- Warning: early alerts so people can move before rivers rise.
How you can help
Share this story to show that the water crisis reaches Europe too. Talk about how drought and floods are two sides of the same changing climate.
Source: Al Jazeera, “Spain, Portugal brace for new storm after floods kill 2, displace 11,000”, 7 February 2026; Chronicle.lu / Reuters, 4 February 2026; Coast FM, 5 February 2026.
