“With great sadness, I received the news of the death of an elderly couple today in Fernão Ferro, Seixal, a result of the bad weather affecting our Diocese of Setúbal. This tragedy […] leaves our community poorer and quieter,” wrote Cardinal Américo Aguiar in a note released this morning.
Extending words of “great proximity and respect to the family and friends, who are now facing profound and difficult grief to bear,” Américo Aguiar also expressed gratitude to “all those who, in these hours of great distress, are on the ground responding to numerous calls for help: the firefighters, civil protection agents, security forces, local government workers, and many citizens who generously and with a sense of community, do not hesitate to assist.”
“To all, thank you very much for your dedication and courage. To all, I ask for prudence, serenity, and attention to the instructions from authorities. And to all, I urge us to continue taking care of one another — this is how we overcome life’s storms,” added the cardinal responsible for the diocese of Setúbal.
An elderly couple, both over 80 years old, died this morning in their home in Fernão Ferro, Setúbal district, which flooded due to the heavy overnight rain, according to a source from the municipal civil protection.
“The couple, in their 80s, was found dead this morning in their flooded home,” stated Rui Pablo.
The Setúbal district has been one of the most affected by the adverse weather recorded since early this morning. In the municipalities of Montijo and Seixal, reports indicate several flooded roads and immobilized vehicles due to the heavy rain.
Mainland Portugal and the Madeira archipelago have been experiencing the effects of depression Claudia since Wednesday, characterized by heavy rain, wind, and strong maritime conditions.
On National Road (EN) 378, between Seixal and Sesimbra, several cars were stranded due to flooding.
According to the Montijo City Council, “several schools are closed during the morning due to the bad weather,” a situation also occurring in the Moita municipality.
In Setúbal, according to the fire chief commander, there were 64 recorded incidents, mostly floods, in the Azeitão area.
The most complicated situations occurred in Seixal, as per information gathered by the municipal civil protection services.
In addition to Setúbal, the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere has issued weather warnings for the districts of Viseu, Évora, Porto, Guarda, Faro, Viana do Castelo, Lisbon, Leiria, Beja, Castelo Branco, Aveiro, Coimbra, Portalegre, and Braga due to persistent heavy rain expected until Saturday.
The Setúbal district, along with Lisbon and Santarém, was also affected by power outages.
