Leiria fire brigades await storm Kristin reimbursement as municipalities fund school repairs

Fire corps in Portugal's Leiria region have filed expense claims totaling hundreds of thousands of euros for operations undertaken during the January storm Kristin. The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) confirmed that validated expenses will be paid by the end of the month, though some claims, such as vehicle damage costs, remain under review. Representatives from several volunteer fire associations reported financial strain while awaiting reimbursement.

The Ourém municipality, also affected by storm Kristin, approved an investment of roughly €500,000 to repair damaged school facilities and another €487,000 for road works in affected parishes. The funding aims to restore safety for students, staff, and local residents and to address broader public‑infrastructure damage estimated at tens of millions of euros.

Both initiatives underscore the ongoing fiscal challenges faced by local authorities and emergency services in the aftermath of the severe weather event.