A worker died Monday, February 9, 2026, after being electrocuted whereas repairing power lines in Leiria, Portugal, as the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of severe storms. The incident occurred at an industrial complex in Leiria, according to reports.
The 37-year-old man was working for Canas, a subcontractor of E-Redes, when the electricity unexpectedly surged, resulting in a fatal shock. Another worker was injured in the same incident. E-Redes has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the electrocution.
This latest death brings the total number of storm-related fatalities in Portugal to 16 since January 28, according to Visão. The storms, including depressions Kristin, Leonardo, and Marta, have caused widespread damage, including power outages, flooding, and structural collapses.
As of February 8, 2026, approximately 58,000 E-Redes customers remained without power, with the majority of outages concentrated in Leiria, where 38,000 customers were affected. Santarém, Coimbra, and Castelo Branco also experienced significant disruptions, according to E-Redes. The ongoing outages are impacting homes, businesses, and essential services.
José Ferrari Careto, president of E-Redes, expressed his distress over the worker’s death, stating, “‘Muito difícil foi a situação de hoje,’” which translates to “Very difficult was the situation today.” SIC Notícias reported that Careto appeared visibly emotional when making the statement.
The storm has also caused substantial property damage. In Marinha Grande, businesses are reporting losses totaling thousands of euros. In Leiria, part of the castle wall collapsed, and 90% of the trees were uprooted. Museums have also sustained damage from the heavy rainfall. The extent of the damage underscores the severity of the recent weather events and the challenges facing recovery efforts.
The mayor of Leiria has criticized the sluggish response from the central government, while the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing has dismissed those criticisms. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between local and national authorities as they work to address the crisis.
Authorities have installed 200 generators to provide power to essential services in various locations across the country, RTP reported. Yet, E-Redes has not provided a timeline for full restoration of power in Leiria, acknowledging the complexity of the situation.
