Storm Kirk Causes Destruction Across Spain, Portugal, and France: One Fatality Reported

Storm Kirk's Impact on Western Europe

The remnants of Hurricane Kirk swept through western Europe on Wednesday, wreaking havoc in Portugal and Spain before unleashing heavy rains in France, resulting in at least one fatality.

France has put much of the country on alert for high winds and heavy rain © Ludovic MARIN / AFP

Casualties and Damage in France

A storm surge near the port city of Sete in southern France overturned three boats, leading to the death of one amateur sailor and leaving another in critical condition. Approximately 64,000 residents in southern France experienced power outages, and multiple departments reported roads blocked by floodwaters.

After a crisis meeting in Paris, Energy Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher announced that the government was mobilizing all state services and urged citizens to exercise caution. "These episodes will have a tendency to recur," she stated, highlighting the tangible effects of climate change on daily life.

Authorities issued a red alert for flooding in the Seine-et-Marne department near Paris due to rising water levels in the Grand Morin river. An additional 29 departments across France were placed on orange alert for expected heavy rains and high winds.

Portugal's Struggles with Storm Kirk

In Portugal, the civil protection authority reported over 1,300 incidents from Tuesday to Wednesday, primarily involving fallen trees, particularly in the north. Porto was notably impacted, with around 400 uprooted trees damaging vehicles and disrupting rail services near Barcelos. The storm left more than 300,000 households without electricity.

Weather officials predicted winds reaching up to 120 km/h (75 mph) and heavy rainfall, prompting a yellow alert along the coast as waves surged to seven meters (23 feet). Meanwhile, Spain issued an orange alert for the northern regions, warning of winds up to 140 km/h in Asturias, and reported blocked roads in Galicia due to mudslides and fallen trees.