February 5, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
MADRID / LISBON — Storm Leonardo, a powerful weather system affecting parts of the Iberian Peninsula, has caused widespread flooding, displacement and at least one confirmed death in Portugal, while a young girl remains missing in Spain, authorities and emergency responders reported on Thursday as rescue operations continue.
The storm brought heavy rain, strong winds and swollen rivers to large swaths of southern Spain and Portugal, leading to evacuations and disruptions across both countries. In Spain’s Andalusia region, nearly 4,000 residents were evacuated from flood-prone areas, and dozens of roads were closed due to high water levels and landslide risks.
In Portugal, emergency services confirmed that a man died after his vehicle became engulfed by rising floodwaters on Wednesday night in the Alcácer do Sal area, south of Lisbon. Local media reported that downtown streets were submerged, with water levels reaching about two metres (roughly seven feet) in some locations along the Sado River, complicating response efforts.
Authorities in southern Spain’s Málaga province are still searching for a young girl who was reported missing after she was swept into the Túrvilla River the previous day while attempting to rescue her pet from rising waters, according to emergency agencies. The operation involves local rescue teams and volunteers as they comb flooded areas for any sign of the child.
Meteorological agencies in both countries have emphasised that while Spain’s weather service lowered its highest alert level in some areas, heavy rainfall and storm conditions are expected to persist into the coming days. Another weather system is forecast to affect the region over the weekend, raising concerns about additional flooding and infrastructure damage.
The latest impacts from Storm Leonardo follow a series of intense weather events that have affected the Iberian Peninsula in recent weeks, challenging emergency response capacities and prompting authorities to maintain heightened preparedness measures.
Local officials urged residents in flood-affected areas to heed evacuation orders, avoid unnecessary travel and follow safety guidance from regional authorities to reduce risks during the ongoing weather emergency.