Over the past weeks, several severe storms have hit Portugal one after another, causing widespread destruction across the country. These storms have brought extreme winds, heavy rainfall, and repeated flooding, affecting dozens of municipalities.

The situation has escalated further in the last days. With river levels rising and dams releasing excess water to prevent structural risk, several villages downstream are now underwater, adding a new layer of damage on top of what the earlier storms caused. The national reports describe communities left without electricity, water, or access, and in some regions still struggling a week after the earlier impacts.

Many families have lost their homes entirely, while others are living in unsafe or partially destroyed buildings.

Across the affected areas, local markets, schools, agricultural operations, and businesses have also suffered extensive losses, and some municipalities remain isolated due to flooding or infrastructure collapse. The government and civil protection services are still managing emergency responses as more villages continue to be affected.

I have travelled to the affected regions (specific Leiria) beginning of February with my family to deliver some goods that we could already buy and provide direct support where most urgently needed - similar to hundreds of volunteers that are uniting efforts to help where needed. Since this fundraising exceeded my initial expectations, the remaining amount will be donated to Cáritas Leiria which are still supporting the ones in need.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and solidarity.

Note on the pictures: I do not own them. Pictures used were taken from several newspapers online.