Several countries in Europe are reeling under the pressure of sudden climatic changes. Storm Claudia has led to the death of three people in Portugal and has injured several others. Beyond Portugal, Wales and England have also been struggling with heavy rainfall and flooding, with rescue teams continuously engaged in rescue and relief operations.
Rescue workers are evacuating people from severe flooding in Wales and England, officials said on Saturday. Portugal and parts of neighbouring Spain have faced extreme weather for the past several days due to Storm Claudia, which has now reached parts of Ireland and Britain.
Conditions have worsened in Portugal. Rescue workers recently found the bodies of an elderly couple inside their flooded home on Thursday. Investigations have revealed that the couple were asleep as the water level rose and could not escape.
Casualties in Britain
Videos circulating on the internet have also showcased the havoc caused in camping areas, including destroyed caravans. Police officer Vaz Pinto told Reuters that an 85-year-old British woman died during the same storm in Albufeira. He said that 28 people were injured at a nearby hotel, two of whom were in hospital with serious injuries.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed solidarity with the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those affected.
A Welsh government spokesman said, “Storm Claudia caused severe flooding across parts of Wales overnight, affecting homes, businesses, transport and energy infrastructure.”
Aerial footage has shown severe flooding in Monmouth, where the town centre and residential areas were submerged after a nearby river broke its embankment overnight.
Natural Resources Wales has issued 11 flood warnings, four of which are at a severe level. Beyond that, it has also issued 17 flood alerts.
