Portugal's President calls for stronger storm response after central region floods

President António José Seguro presented a report on the severe storms that hit Portugal’s central region in early April, highlighting shortcomings in coordination, clarity and interoperability among public agencies, civil protection and local authorities. The document calls for reinforced mechanisms, better communication and faster action on vulnerable infrastructure.

Local leaders welcomed the report as a basis for learning. Leiria mayor Gonçalo Lopes warned of a structural deficit in preparedness and urged serious reflection and decisive state action on critical infrastructure, institutional response capacity, forest management and public preparedness. Jorge Vala, president of the Leiria inter‑municipal community and mayor of Porto de Mós, noted the lack of communications and electricity during the storm and suggested a review of redundant entities such as the fire‑management agency. Coordinator Paulo Fernandes of the Reconstruction Structure for the Central Region said the report’s recommendations align with the Portugal Transformação, Recuperação e Resiliência (PTRR) recovery plan.