Authorities reported that a 46-year-old rescue worker tragically lost his life while trying to navigate a flooded zone during severe storms in Portugal, marking him as the first confirmed victim of the storm 'Marta'. This incident adds to the toll from recent extreme weather events that have devastated the region, including the earlier storm 'Kristin', which claimed five lives, and storm 'Leonardo', which led to additional fatalities. The recent storms have caused widespread flooding and damage across both Portugal and Spain, prompting a response from thousands of rescue personnel.

In light of the new storm, over 26,500 rescue workers were mobilized in Portugal alone. The intensity of the weather events has been so severe that three municipalities postponed upcoming presidential elections by a week due to the dangerous conditions. These storms have not only disrupted lives and infrastructure but have also raised concerns about the patterns of extreme weather events in the region, which are becoming more frequent and severe as a result of climate change.

Scientists have indicated that human-induced climate change is contributing to the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena in Spain and Portugal, such as floods and heatwaves. With warnings issued ahead of the storms, both countries have prepared for the potential for more devastating weather, underscoring the importance of addressing climate challenges and ensuring public safety during such unpredictable natural disasters.