Lisbon, Feb 5 (NationPress) A series of storms have tragically resulted in 11 fatalities across Portugal since late January. The most recent victim was a 64-year-old man whose vehicle was engulfed by floodwaters as he tried to navigate a flooded road near the Amoreira Dam in Pias, located in the municipality of Serpa in southern Portugal.

The man was driving through an area that was becoming inundated when he fell victim to a sudden flash flood that swept his car away, according to a report from the Lusa News Agency, citing a spokesperson from the National Republican Guard (GNR).

Portugal has faced continuous storms in recent days, resulting in extensive damage nationwide. Storm Kristin has been the most devastating thus far, while Storm Leonardo began impacting the nation on Wednesday.

Earlier, Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro announced a support package worth 2.5 billion euros (approximately 2.98 billion US dollars) aimed at assisting families and businesses affected by Storm Kristin, which caused at least eight deaths and widespread devastation across the country, prompting the continuation of a national state of calamity.

After an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers, the government disclosed the assistance package on Sunday (local time), prolonging the nationwide state of calamity until February 8. The relief measures encompass reconstruction aid, income support for families, liquidity assistance for businesses, and moratoriums on taxes and loans.

Families facing financial difficulties due to the storms can apply for direct grants of up to 10,000 euros for uninsured primary residences and agricultural or forestry activities. Individuals encountering income loss may receive up to 537 euros per person, capped at 10,075 euros per household, according to Xinhua news agency.

Companies in the affected regions will benefit from a six-month exemption from Social Security contributions and access to a simplified temporary layoff scheme lasting three months. A 90-day moratorium will be applied to loans for businesses and primary residences, with the potential for an extension of up to 12 months.

Part of the relief package includes two credit lines totaling 1.5 billion euros intended to support business liquidity and structural recovery. Additional public funds will be allocated for the repair of transportation infrastructure, public facilities, and cultural heritage.

Local media reports indicate that Storm Kristin, which has been battering the nation since Wednesday, has been linked to at least eight fatalities. The regions most severely affected include Leiria, about 140 km north of Lisbon, Coimbra, approximately 195 km north of the capital, as well as the districts of Santarem and Lisbon. (1 euro = 1.19 US dollars)