Storm Kristin: Government is taking all necessary steps

The Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro was at the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection headquarters on Wednesday, where he reiterated his sorrow for the fatalities and guaranteed that the Government is in contact with the municipalities of the regions affected.

"An assessment is under way of the consequences on the ground and all the instruments we can use to return the situation to normal quicker", he assured. 

Following a meeting and a press conference by the Civil Protection body, the Prime Minister claimed that there are mechanisms on the ground "so that normality may be fully restored".

Luís Montenegro also called again on the Portuguese people to remain alert, as the forecast still indicates wind and rainfall, although not as serious as the previous night. Even so, given the rainfall of the last few days and the consequences of Kristin, "the consequence of a phenomenon that isn’t as extreme may nonetheless raise our concerns". As such, he asked the Portuguese people to be attentive to the recommendations issued by the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection.

At the end of the meeting, the Prime Minister reinforced his acknowledgement of the operatives involved in the prevention, relief, and now return to normality.

Rui Rocha, the Secretary of State for Civil Protection, claimed that the return to normal following storm Kristin may take a few days. 

"We are gradually restoring electricity. Around a million [people] had no power and a few hours ago, the number was less than 500 thousand", he explained, considering that at this time it is important for local government to survey the damage.