Devastating Storm Hits Portugal: Massive Winds Force Government to Shut Down Everything!

Portugal decided to close schools and non-essential government services on Wednesday, while the government urged residents to stay home for fear of strong winds that are likely to reach speeds of 140 kilometers per hour.

Interior Minister Luis Neves said at a press conference held Tuesday at the Civil Protection Agency headquarters: "Everyone who can do so must stay home."

The highest levels of alert were declared in eight Portuguese regions, including the capital Lisbon, to face harsh weather conditions, amid forecasts that Storm Charles will make landfall in Portugal on Wednesday morning, after passing through Madeira Island late Tuesday evening.

Between January 22 and February 16, Portugal experienced six consecutive storms that authorities said left at least seven people dead.

Some Portuguese media outlets reported a higher toll of approximately 20 victims who died directly or indirectly due to the storm.

The Iberian Peninsula is particularly prone to difficult weather conditions, such as heat waves and periods of heavy rainfall, which are intensified by climate change caused by human activities.