Portuguese president urges faster storm relief, saying crisis "not yet over" for many

LISBON, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese President Antonio Jose Seguro warned Saturday that the consequences of the storms that struck the country in early 2026 demand accelerated support, clearer measures and better coordination between authorities.

Seguro made the remarks following his visit to the Centro region, during which he met residents, local officials, business representatives and emergency responders.

"For many families, businesses and communities, this crisis is not yet over," the Publico newspaper quoted the president as saying.

Seguro said his time on the ground made clear that "what happened demands more than the repair of damage," calling for faster disbursement of support, better coordination between entities, reinforcement of critical infrastructure and correction of accumulated vulnerabilities.

The president also flagged the need to reinforce redundancy in telecommunications, energy supply, road access and emergency communications, warning that the territory must enter the higher-risk summer months in safer conditions than those in which it emerged from winter. Enditem