The Secretary-General of the PS expressed his deep condolences to the friends and family of two elderly citizens during a statement in Alcácer do Sal, prior to meeting with a local farmers’ association.
When asked by journalists about the two fatalities caused by severe weather affecting the country, he mentioned that, based on images of their home shown on television, the victims were living in “difficult, precarious circumstances.”
A couple, both over 80 years old, was reported dead in their home in Fernão Ferro, Setúbal district, after it flooded due to heavy overnight rain, as confirmed by municipal civil protection sources.
The PS leader noted that the President of the Republic had delivered a very appropriate message, urging a national consciousness regarding those living in severe deprivation and poverty, and the necessity for public policies to address these issues.
He referenced the Health System Performance and Impact Assessment Report (RADIS) by the National Health Convention (CNS) for 2024, released on Wednesday, which highlights a 20% increase in bedridden elderly in hospitals due to a lack of familial or social support.
“This shows that as a country, we must advance significantly in combating poverty, inequality, and creating safer living conditions,” he argued.
Regarding the adverse weather, he expressed solidarity with officials in the Setúbal district, Lisbon, and other severely affected regions.
“In such times, there is not only damage to people’s lives, in some cases irreparable, but also immense losses that national civil protection is trying to address,” the socialist leader reminded.
He also acknowledged “the efforts of the forces and services, at national, regional, and local levels, who contribute to protecting lives and property.”
He reiterated his solidarity with local officials experiencing significant distress, stressing the importance of state and municipal efforts to provide support to local communities within their capacities.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, in an official presidential statement, expressed regret over the elderly couple’s death due to rain that flooded their home, highlighting the precarious living conditions of the poorer sectors of the population.
On social media platform X, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro also lamented the death of the elderly couple, extending condolences on his own and the government’s behalf.
Mainland Portugal and the Madeira archipelago have been affected by depression Claudia since Wednesday, resulting in strong rain, wind, and sea disturbances.
The district of Setúbal has been one of the regions most severely affected by heavy rain since this morning.
