On an afternoon marked by an intense heat wave in Portugal, the city of Mirandela was surprised by a sudden meteorological phenomenon that caused significant damage. At around 6 pm last Tuesday, strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy rain reached several areas of the county, causing the fall of trees, electricity poles and roof damage of various housing. Losses were also recorded in vehicles, hit by debris dragged by the force of the wind.
According to Radio Terra Hot FM, the most severe effects were felt in the localities of Carvalhais, Vila Nova das Patas and Vilar de Ledra. In Carvalhais, the president of the Parish Council confirmed that more than a dozen houses were damaged on the roofs, as well as the fall of trees and electricity poles.
One of the residents, João Ribeiro, reported that the wind was so strong that he drew tiles from houses and coffee, still causing damage in some vehicles. Another resident described the moments as “almost apocalyptic”, stating that “some zinc sheets flew, it seemed the end of the world”, in an episode that lasted about fifteen minutes, but left visible marks in the landscape.
This phenomenon has been enhanced by the high temperatures that have been felt in the last days in the Trás-os-Montes region, causing sufficient atmospheric instability to lead to localized thunderstorms and winds of great intensity.
On social networks, several videos shared by residents show the strength of the wind and the damage caused in a scenario uncommon for the region. Authorities and municipal services were rapidly mobilized to support the population and evaluate material damage.
