Media: 290,000 without power as Storm Kristin cripples central Portugal

More than 290,000 people remain without electricity, and rail services are still disrupted after Storm Kristin swept across central Portugal, leaving a trail of damage and forcing local authorities to activate emergency plans, Diário de Notícias reports.

The European Commissioner for Energy and Housing is due to travel to Marinha Grande on January 30 with Portugal’s Minister of the Presidency to assess the impact of the storm and ongoing recovery efforts.

Several municipalities in the Santarém district are among the worst affected. Santarém City Council said it had activated its Municipal Emergency and Civil Protection Plan after the storm caused widespread interruptions to water and electricity supplies in multiple parishes.

The council has opened a network of local relief centres to support residents. Facilities include access to hot showers, temporary shelter areas, refrigerated storage for food and charging points for mobile phones and other electronic devices. Relief locations have been set up in Arneiro das Milhariças, Gançaria, Alcanede, Amiais de Cima, Amiais de Baixo, Abrã and Vale de Figueira.

Neighbouring Almeirim is still facing significant outages. The municipal authority said several parts of the council area remain without electricity. In Fazendas de Almeirim, power has been partially restored, but some zones are still in the dark. The local parish council building is operating with staff on site to assist residents.

The parish of Raposa remains entirely without power and is functioning with the help of generators. Authorities said personnel are available to support the population, while the municipal stadium has been opened to allow residents access to hygiene facilities.

In Cartaxo, the municipal stadium is also operating as an emergency support centre. The city council said the venue will remain open until 10 pm on Friday, offering free access for personal hygiene, mobile phone charging and other essential needs for those affected by water and electricity shortages.

Rail operators have reported continuing interruptions on several lines, although restoration work is underway. Emergency crews across the region are focusing on clearing debris, repairing damaged infrastructure and restoring utilities as weather conditions stabilise.

Officials have urged residents to follow civil protection guidance and limit non-essential travel while recovery operations continue.