Floods from Storm Leonardo Claim Lives, Widespread Rescue Efforts Needed

World

Storm Leonardo brings unprecedented flash floods, killing 237 people in Spain’s Valencia region in October. Portugal also suffers heavy losses as a man perishes when his car is swept away on a flooded road near a dam. In southern Spain’s Malaga province, rescuers are searching for a woman trying to save her dog from the strong current of the Turvilla River.

Flooding remains rampant across Europe, with scientists attributing more frequent occurrences to warmer and wetter atmospheric conditions due to climate change. The latest wave began in January 2026, causing multiple deaths, destroying homes’ roofs, and inundating towns.

A man aged approximately 70 died on Wednesday in Portugal’s southern Alentejo region when his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters near a dam. In the same province, authorities are searching for a woman who attempted to rescue her dog from the strong current of the Turvilla River.

Grazalema, a mountain village popular with hikers, evacuated its 1,500 residents after water seeped through walls and streets due to severe flooding. Fire Chief Manuel Marmolejo noted that authorities found only the rescued dog but not the woman; he likened their situation to one facing an earthquake.

In southern Portugal, residents waded waist-deep in Alcacer do Sal as the Sado River breached its banks. Restaurant terraces were submerged, with sandbags placed before doors to protect homes and shops from further damage.

Anabela Ramalho, a 59-year-old nursing home worker in Alcacer do Sal, described her situation: “Only the walls are left,” she said of her care facility. “There’s a sense of helplessness—like we can’t change anything.”

Next up is Storm Marta, expected to hit southern Spain’s Andalusia region over the weekend, according to state weather agency Aemet.

World

Storm Leonardo brings unprecedented flash floods, killing at least 237 people in Spain’s Valencia region. In Portugal, a man perished when his car was swept away on a flooded road near a dam. Spanish authorities are searching for a woman who attempted to save her dog from the strong current of the Turvilla River.

Grazalema’s residents have been evacuated as water seeped through their homes’ walls and streets due to severe flooding, creating an eerie sense of fear similar to experiencing an earthquake. Fire Chief Manuel Marmolejo confirmed that only a rescued pet was found, but not its owner amidst the chaos.

In southern Portugal, residents in Alcacer do Sal had to wade waist-deep through flooded terraces as their homes and shops faced significant damage from the Sado River’s breach. Anabela Ramalho, a nursing home worker, described her situation: “Only the walls are left,” emphasizing her sense of helplessness.

Next is Storm Marta, expected to hit Andalusia over the weekend, according to state weather agency Aemet.