Weather

The town is the wettest place on Earth, with an average of 11,873mm of rainfall each year – 22 times more than London and 11 times more than Glasgow

The wettest spot on the planet receives 22 times more rain than London and frequently experiences downpours so severe that venturing outdoors becomes hazardous.

In the UK, it has been a truly miserable winter. Cornwall and County Down recorded their wettest January on record, while Northern Ireland saw its wettest January is 149 years. Across the UK, 26 stations set new monthly records for the highest January rainfall. Daily records also fell. Plymouth recorded its wettest January day in 104 years. And February has been no better so far. As of February 9, southern England had seen 72% of its monthly average.

There is a place in India that makes all of this look pathetic.

Mawsynram is tucked within the verdant forests of the Khasi Hills in India’s far eastern reaches, perched above Bangladesh. It boasts stunning scenery, but remains perpetually drenched. The town sees approximately 11,873mm of annual rainfall, nearly 11 times the 1,109mm that drenches notoriously wet Glasgow and a staggering 22 times London’s yearly 585mm.

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Jyotiprasad Oza has spent his entire life in the town, earning his living by guiding inquisitive tourists through the area with TourHQ. Visitors travel from across the globe to witness existence in Earth’s soggiest location, with travellers routinely journeying from America and Britain.

“We get about 10,000 tourists a year. During rainy time people like to visit because it’s very heavy rainfall, especially June to September,” Jyotiprasad explained to the Mirror just as storm clouds – rather unsurprisingly – started gathering overhead.

Mawsynram’s rainfall differs markedly from precipitation elsewhere. Once it begins, it can persist relentlessly for days. Locals often rush indoors when the deluge begins, only to discover the torrent hasn’t ceased for an entire week. Yet it’s not merely duration that sets it apart.

During one extraordinary June day last decade, a staggering 1,003mm of rain drenched the town – double London’s entire annual precipitation. The consequences of such torrential downpours on Mawsynram can be utterly catastrophic.

“During the time of heavy rainfall, it is impossible to go outside. We can’t do our daily walk. We are not supposed to go outside during the rainy time. Sometimes children can’t go to school during the rain. It is quite dangerous,” Jyotiprasad explained.

When the monsoon arrives, landslides and flooding pose severe risks to residents’ safety, whilst power cuts become routine and fresh water systems struggle to cope. But beyond these immediate perils, the unrelenting dampness leaves many locals yearning for drier climes.

“We prefer to move to where it gets less rain,” Jyotiprasad said, noting that hardly anyone chooses to relocate to the region.

Multiple factors contribute to the town’s extraordinary precipitation levels. Perched 1,400m above sea level, Mawsynram experiences a highland climate intensified by humid, tropical air masses that sweep up from the Bay of Bengal throughout the monsoon season, whilst the positioning of the Khasi Hills creates a natural barrier that blocks airflow from the bay.

Locals in Mawsynram have devised ingenious methods to prevent the relentless downpours from completely upending their daily lives. Numerous homes are constructed with soundproofing to block out the thunderous drumming of rainfall.

On days when a heavy waterproof jacket and wellington boots simply aren’t sufficient, traditional full-body umbrellas known as Knups offer popular protection from the deluge. These substantial shell-shaped contraptions are fashioned from bamboo and banana leaves.

The rainfall isn’t the sole attraction drawing people to Mawsynram. The stunning scenery, vantage points and cascading waterfalls throughout the region prove enormously popular with those who appreciate the natural world.

A particular magnet for visitors are the Nohkalikai Waterfalls, ranked as the fourth tallest globally.

Holiday expert Rob has shared the four ‘best’ places to visit in March, saying the destinations offer the same level of sunshine as your usual July to August getaways but at lower prices

It’s no secret that jetting off during the summer months can set you back nearly twice as much, prompting savvy holidaymakers to shift their breaks earlier in the calendar. Lending a hand, travel guru Rob has revealed his top four destinations to visit this March, promising sunshine levels that rival your typical peak season getaways.

In an Instagram clip, Rob, who goes by @rob.onthebeach online, explained: “I’ve seen loads of people asking me recently, where’s hot in March? But the better question is, where’s hot and cheap this March? Because March might just be the perfect month for a holiday. We’re coming out of winter at home, the mornings are brighter, but it’s still freezing and wet. And in March, holiday demand is still relatively low, which means some destinations really fly under the radar on heat and price.”

To compile his recommendations, he examined multiple countries based on their March climate, booking patterns and current prices.

Kicking off his rundown, he revealed: “In fourth place, I’ve picked Fuerteventura, because March is one of my favourite months for the Canaries, and Fuerteventura is probably my favourite island.”

“You’re getting heat in the 20s, loads of sunshine, and it’s warm enough all day without feeling sticky like it can do in summer. Plus it’s quieter, calmer, and everything just feels easier.”

Moving along, he spotlighted Paphos, declaring: “March in Cyprus is criminally underrated”. He remarked: “It’s not roasting, but it’s still really warm. Sun on your face, lunches outside, pool days when the sun’s out, and it’s way less touristy than summer.”

Egypt claimed his runner-up spot thanks to its pleasant climate, with him adding: “High 20s to low 30s most days. Wall-to-wall sunshine, and seawater that’s perfect for swimming in, snorkelling in, or just floating in doing absolutely nothing.”

Topping his list, he crowned Las Vegas as the ultimate March getaway destination.

He explained: “I know it’s a bit of a wild card, but hear me out. March in Vegas is bang on. Hot days, cooler evenings, loads and loads and loads to do. And prices that are way softer than people expect.

“Now if you don’t believe me still, check out this deal I found. For four nights in March at the Strat Hotel with flights from Heathrow, it’s coming in at only £563 per person.

“For maybe the US’s best ever city break with sunshine, entertainment, pools, food, shows. This is seriously strong value in March.

“It’s warm, it’s unrivaled when it comes to fun, and it’s way more holiday than you’d expect to get at this price.”

Brits looking for warm and sunny weather in March may want to consider the beautiful island in the Canaries that has cheap drinks, beautiful beaches and 22C weather

The British winter has felt particularly drizzly in the past few months, so it’s no surprise that most of us are dreaming of sunnier and balmier climates.

While the truly hot destinations tend to require a long-haul flight, the good news is that there are parts of Europe where you can still get warm and sunny weather, at least enough so you can enjoy the outdoors without having to don about 500 layers.

Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands is a destination that just about ticks all of the boxes; affordable holidays, beautiful beaches and 22C weather in March.

The good news is that because Fuerteventura is a popular destination for Brits, there are plenty of cheap deals and offers that can be found especially for a last-minute break. Jet2Holidays currently has a sale with £150 off holidays before June, while TUI, Loveholidays and On the Beach are just some of the other firms that offer packages with various UK airport departures.

Once on the island, you can find budget-friendly options for dining out too. Pints tend to cost £3 on average, while according to research from Numbeo, it’s possible to find a three-course meal for two people costing a total of €70 in Corralejo (approximately £61).

Speaking of Corralejo, this tends to be one of the more popular towns on the island thanks to the array of restaurants and bars on offer, as well as the hotels and its beautiful Corralejo Grandes Playas beach, famed for its soft sands and clear waters. It may not be warm enough in March to go in for a dip, but it’s still warm enough to enjoy a waterfront stroll, or get a cocktail and take in those beautiful beach views while eating al fresco.

Of course there are plenty of other beautiful spots around the island. For example, the beaches at El Cotillo, Cofete and Sotavento are regular favourites with British holidaymakers, given their soft sands and waters that are ideal for a wide array of watersports if you’re feeling adventurous.

Back on land, the volcanic landscape is packed with brilliant hiking and cycling trails to suit a whole array of levels, whether you’re a beginner who wants an easy stroll, or a seasoned rambler looking for a challenge. Meanwhile the Corralejo Natural Park is the largest area of dunes in the Canaries, and you can take buggy tours along the dusty roads to explore the beautiful scenery, if you don’t fancy donning your hiking boots.

Of course if March doesn’t work for you, the great thing about the Canary Islands is that they boast year-round sunshine. Temperatures may drop come December/January, but there’s still plenty of sunshine and the weather is much warmer than the UK, so there’s ample opportunity to make the most of these picturesque islands!

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One person remains missing after a heavy avalanche engulfed a group of skiers in the Sierra Nevada mountains of the US.

Local authorities say that at least eight people have been found dead following an avalanche in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, the deadliest incident of its kind in more than 40 years.

Nevada County Sheriff Shannon Moon said on Wednesday that rescue crews have been hindered by difficult conditions during a powerful winter storm.

One person remains missing. Six of the 15 skiers buried by the avalanche were found alive.

“We are still looking for one of the members at this time,” Moon confirmed to reporters, adding that family members have been informed that the search has moved from rescue to recovery.

The deadly incident comes as California experiences a winter storm that has deluged the mountains near the popular winter destination of Lake Tahoe with heavy snow.

The Sierra Avalanche Center warned on Wednesday that the risk of further avalanches remains high in the area as several feet of additional snow contribute to unstable conditions.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services announced in a statement that it was “leading whole of government efforts to aid Nevada County”, which is located in eastern California, on the border with the neighbouring US state of Nevada.

“We are actively coordinating additional resources statewide to support avalanche search and rescue efforts to locate missing skiers near Castle Peak,” the office added.

Search-and-rescue teams were dispatched to the Castle Peak area after a call to emergency services reported that 15 people on a three-day trek had been buried by an avalanche on Tuesday morning.

“Our thoughts are with the missing individuals, their families, and first responders in the field,” the company Blackbird Mountain Guides said in a statement, noting that four guides were among those struck by the avalanche as they were returning to a trailhead.

The budget airline, Jet2, is offering travellers the chance to explore a lesser-known island with diverse landscapes and uncrowded beaches as they launch a new exclusive route

Jet2 has launched a new route to a beautiful island with ancient streets, traditional villages and pristine beaches, offering a laid-back ambience away from busy crowds.

Jet2 has expanded its summer 2027 program from London Gatwick and launched a new route to the beautiful Greek island of Lesvos. The lesser-known island, also known as Lesbos, is situated in the northeastern Aegean Sea, offering turquoise waters, unspoilt sprawling beaches, hot springs, majestic forests, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

As the third-largest island in Greece, and with its capital, Mytilini, Lesvos is brimming with history, from its charming medieval streets and traditional Mediterranean villages to its fascinating architecture. It’s renowned for its ouzo, an anise-flavoured liqueur, and its olive groves, with more than 11 million trees nestled around the island.

The new Jet2 route to Lesvos will operate weekly on Sunday, from May 2 to 10 October 2027, and when we took a look, we found fares from £123. Flights to the Greek island, which offers blistering rays of 30C during the summer months, are available to book now.

In the meantime, Jet2 has announced a major sale for 35 of its sun-soaked destinations, including Lesvos, for holidaymakers travelling from London Gatwick next summer. The destinations currently on sale include:

• Antalya
• Tenerife
• Lanzarote
• La Palma
• Fuerteventura
• Gran Canaria
• Alicante
• Malaga
• Girona
• Palma (Majorca)
• Ibiza
• Menorca
• Faro (Algarve)
• Madeira
• Crete (Heraklion)
• Corfu
• Kalamata
• Kefalonia
• Kos
• Lesvos (Mytilene)
• Preveza
• Skiathos
• Rhodes
• Thessaloniki (Halkidiki)
• Naples
• Verona
• Pula
• Reus
• Zante
• Agadir
• Hurghada
• Bourgas
• Malta
• Paphos
• Sharm El Sheik

The new exclusive route to Lesvos and the summer sale come just weeks before the budget airline launches flights and holidays from London Gatwick for the very first time on March 26. The major travel change is intended to give Jet2 passengers greater flexibility for their holiday getaways.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Since we announced the launch of flights and holidays from London Gatwick, the reaction from customers and independent travel has been incredible, showing just how much demand there is for our industry-leading product and service. This popularity means we are significantly expanding our programme in just our second summer of operations from London Gatwick, offering holidaymakers even more choice and flexibility.

“As well as offering a fantastic selection of flights and holidays to choose from, we are giving customers the chance to get their Summer 2027 holiday booked in nice and early. With the launch of flights and holidays from London Gatwick just around the corner, and Summer 27 going on sale too, this is an incredibly exciting time, both for our company and for customers across the region.”

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This tiny European island is a spectacular gem hidden in plain sight boasting incredible food, breathtaking views and fun activities for travellers to indulge in without breaking the bank.

While most Brits will have heard of the island nation of Malta, relatively few are aware of its sister island, accessible via a short ferry journey.

A more tranquil, less touristy and altogether more laid-back option compared to mainland Malta, this tiny island is a spectacular gem hidden in plain view.

Despite its modest size, Gozo delivers an impressive array of attractions, with diverse sites, pursuits and scenery simply crying out to be discovered.

Reaching Gozo is straightforward – begin by flying into Malta’s principal international airport, then hop aboard either a brief but picturesque 25-minute ferry from the Cirkewwa terminal in Malta’s north or a 45-minute crossing from the gorgeous capital Valletta to Gozo.

UK flights to Malta are reasonably priced at present – merely £35 one-way at the time of writing for a direct service from London Stansted Airport to Malta International Airport on February 26, with complimentary allowance for one cabin bag included, reports the Express.

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Another advantage of visiting Gozo during the February/March period is its climate – a pleasant range spanning 16C to 20C, offering classic Mediterranean sunshine and gentle breezes to keep you perfectly comfortable on a bright, sunny afternoon.

The icing on the cake? Beverages in Gozo are inexpensive – refreshing cold pints of excellent local beer for £1.80 – every traveller’s fantasy.

Things to do in Gozo

Gozo boasts an abundance of pristine beaches, nestled away from the tourist bustle. The island’s crystal-clear, azure waters and distinctive red-tinged sands create an enchanting atmosphere, ideal for snorkelling, taking a dip, or simply unwinding beneath the Mediterranean sun.

Ramla Bay, one of Gozo’s finest beaches, has been rightfully designated as a Natura 2000 protected site. Visit Gozo, the island’s official tourism authority, notes: “Despite its popularity, Ramla Bay remains wonderfully undeveloped, preserving its natural charm.

“There are a few cafes and a small stall set back from the beach, providing refreshments without compromising the area’s serene atmosphere.”

Brimming with experiences and activities for visitors to enjoy, Gozo presents a wealth of distinctive attractions.

The Ġgantija temples in Gozo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rank amongst the planet’s oldest and most excellently preserved free-standing structures. This magnificent site is enveloped by verdant countryside and features two colossal temples awaiting discovery.

Indeed, according to local legend, the enormous rocks forming these temples led inhabitants to believe they had been constructed by giants.

The Ta’ Kola Windmill represents another jewel of the island, offering guests a fascinating glimpse into how Gozitans traditionally ground wheat to produce bread and other baked delicacies in bygone times. Dubbed the ‘island of the three hills’, Gozo’s landscape is characterised by distinctive flat-topped elevations that prove absolutely mesmerising.

The trio of most notable peaks are widely recognised as Xagħra hill, the Nadur hill, and Żebbuġ.

Additionally, there’s the Cittadella, Gozo’s freshly renovated historic settlement nestled within the island’s capital, Victoria (Rabat), representing another essential destination should you venture to this magnificent haven.

However, Gozo offers far more than scenic attractions – the island features four Michelin guide establishments – Tmun, Level Nine at The Grand, Al Sale, and Ta’ Frenc – poised to whisk you away on an exquisite gastronomic adventure.

Gozo’s culinary and viticulture offerings are practically unrivalled, with the island’s nutrient-dense terrain and distinctive microclimate yielding some of the finest wines globally. Food and wine excursions have naturally become hugely popular amongst tourists, and understandably so.

Those seeking unconventional experiences need look no further than the age-old practice of milking sheep and goats in Gozo, subsequently crafted into authentic Gozitan cheese. For energetic pursuits, clifftop rambles, kayaking and cycling present excellent choices for an ideal outing.

Mountain biking, kayaking and clifftop trekking all await active travellers, whilst Gozo’s food and wine culture emphasises premium locally-sourced ingredients and ocean-fresh seafood.

Regardless of your preferences, this Maltese gem is genuinely exceptional, and the limited tourist numbers make exploration all the more delightful.

The accident, near the town of Goppenstein, occurred as the region is under its second-highest avalanche warning, a level four out of five.

A regional train has derailed in southern Switzerland, injuring five people, police said, as the risk of avalanches in the region has reached its second-highest level.

The accident on Monday near the town of Goppenstein occurred amid heavy snow and at an altitude of 1,216 metres (4,000 feet), according to the AFP news agency.

“According to initial findings, an avalanche may have crossed the tracks shortly before the train passed,” police said, adding that the public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation.

“Five people were injured. One of them was taken to hospital,” police added.

The train accident follows a series of deadly avalanches across the Alps in recent days involving skiers.

On Friday, three skiers were killed after being swept away by an avalanche in the upmarket French Alpine resort of Val d’Isere.

Cedric Bonnevie, who oversees the resort’s pistes, said one of the victims was a French national while the others were foreign citizens.

He said one victim appeared to have been caught in the avalanche high on the mountain slope, while the other two were part of a group of five, including a professional guide, lower on the mountain face and did not see the avalanche approaching.

In Italy, rescuers said last week that a record 13 backcountry skiers, climbers and hikers had died in the mountains over the previous seven days, including 10 in avalanches triggered by an exceptionally unstable snowpack.

Fresh snowfall during recent storms, combined with windswept snow sitting on weak internal layers, has created especially dangerous conditions across the Alpine arc bordering France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy, Italy’s Alpine Rescue said.

“Under such conditions, the passage of a single skier, or natural overloading from the weight of snow, can be sufficient to trigger an avalanche,” Federico Catania, Alpine Rescue’s spokesperson, said.

The avalanche deaths have occurred on ungroomed mountain slopes, away from the well-maintained and monitored Winter Olympic sites in Lombardy near the Swiss border, Cortina d’Ampezzo in Veneto, and the cross-country skiing venues in Val di Fiemme, within the autonomous province of Trentino.

The island is popular with Brits who can’t wait until summer to get some sunshine, with 22C weather and plenty of sunshine to enjoy in March, and lots of stunning unspoilt beaches

Those looking for a cheap, sunny escape for March might want to take a look at this island that offers plenty of sunshine and inexpensive pints. Best of all, it’s a short haul destination so you don’t have to spend hours on a flight.

Gran Canaria is often overlooked when it comes to the Canary Islands, with Tenerife welcoming the most visitors, but it’s growing in popularity as a destination especially for winter sun. In March, the island enjoys daily highs of 22C and seven to eight hours of daily sunshine; a tempting prospect seeing as the UK only gets three to four hours on average in early spring.

Flights from the UK average about four-and-a-half hours, and there’s a range of routes to choose from. EasyJet has flights from Bristol, London Luton, and Manchester year-round, as well as offering seasonal services from regional airports. Meanwhile Jet2 offers routes from airports including Belfast, Birmingham, and Glasgow, with a new London-Gatwick service beginning end of March.

TUI flies from Cardiff and Newcastle upon Tyne year-round, while Ryanair offer routes from Birmingham, Bournemouth, and London-Luton among many others. Flights from London-Stansted on Ryanair start from just £24.99 in March.

Most Brits head to the south of the island, the warmest part of Gran Canaria. Maspalomas is famous for its sand dunes which cover an area of about 1.5 miles. Dunas de Maspalomas is a protected nature area that has hiking trails that allow you to explore the desert landscape surrounded by palm trees and set around a natural lagoon.

Walk along the promenade and you’ll reach the lively Playa del Inglés neighbourhood. Known for its bars, restaurants, and lively nightlife including live music, it’s also home to several shopping centres. In Maspalomas, you’ll also find the Yumbo Centre, which is where many of the island’s LGBT+ friendly bars and clubs can be found. At night, the area is known for its colourful drag shows and it’s especially busy in May with the arrival of Pride.

Pint prices vary across the island, but are generally inexpensive as you’d expect in a Spanish destination. You can generally find pints from €2 to €3 (about £1.74 to £2.60), although some bars notoriously offer happy hour deals from €1 (about 85p).

Across the island, there’s plenty to do, from visiting volcanoes to days at water parks. Many people hike the Roque Nublo trail, which takes just over an hour and takes you to one of the island’s highest points. A relatively easy hike, it offers incredible views of the volcanic landscapes, and looks particularly lush and green in spring.

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Palmitos Park is a fun family day out set in the mountains and has nature walks, exotic reptiles, and even dolphin shows, while the Angry Birds Activity Park is a colourful playground that’s a must for kids who love the mobile game.

Puerto de Mogán is often called the ‘Venice of the Canary Islands’ and is well worth a visit for its sheltered beach and stylish marina. It even has canals, and you can take a boat ride through its narrow waterways with whitewashed traditional houses along the way. The capital of Las Palmas is also a popular day trip, especially the old town of Vegueta where you’ll find museums, historic sites, and art galleries.

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Powerful storm batters Mozambique’s Inhambane a day after killing at least 41 people in Madagascar.

Cyclone Gezani has hit Mozambique’s southern coastal province of Inhambane, killing at least four people, according to officials.

The toll in Mozambique on Saturday came a day after the cyclone tore through Madagascar, killing at least 41 people and leaving a trail of destruction across the island.

The AFP news agency, citing meteorologists, said the storm lashed Inhambane with winds of up to 215km per hour (134mph).

It brought down trees and power lines, leaving more than 13,000 people without power, the national electric company said.

Water supplies were also cut off in several districts of the city of Inhambane.

The city is home to some 100,000 people.

Mozambique has been hit by frequent weather-related disasters that ‌scientists say have been exacerbated by climate change.

The Southern African country is only just recovering from severe flooding that affected more than 700,000 people and damaged more than 170,000 homes in recent weeks, according to the United Nations Office for the ⁠Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

In Madagascar, the government declared a national emergency and said the storm had caused an estimated $142m in damage.

In addition to the deaths, at least 427 people were injured, and some 16,300 were displaced, according to officials.

The eye of the cyclone passed on Tuesday over Madagascar’s second-largest city, Toamasina, which has a population of 400,000, leaving it devastated.

The Indian Ocean island’s leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, said about 75 percent of the city had been destroyed.

Tania Goosens, the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Madagascar director, said on Friday that “the scale of destruction is overwhelming” in Toamasina. “The authorities have reported that 80 percent of the city has been damaged,” she told reporters.

“The city is running on roughly 5 percent of electricity, and there is no water,” she said, adding that the WFP’s office and one warehouse “were also completely destroyed”.

Gezani is forecast to return to cyclone status when it strikes southern Mozambique on Friday evening.

Nearly 40 people have been killed and more than 12,000 others displaced after Cyclone Gezani slammed into Madagascar’s second-largest city earlier this week, as Mozambique braced for the storm’s arrival.

Updating its tolls as assessments progressed, Madagascar’s National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) said on Thursday it had recorded 38 deaths, while six people remained missing and at least 374 were injured.

Gezani made landfall on Tuesday at the Indian Ocean island nation Madagascar’s eastern coastal city, Toamasina, bringing winds that reached 250km/h (155mph).

Madagascar’s new leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has declared a national disaster and called for “international solidarity”, saying the cyclone had “ravaged up to 75 percent of Toamasina and surrounds”.

Images from the AFP news agency showed the battered city of 500,000 people littered with trees felled by strong winds and roofs blown off buildings.

Residents dug through piles of debris, planks and corrugated metal to repair their makeshift homes.

More than 18,000 homes were destroyed in the cyclone, according to the BNGRC, with at least 50,000 damaged or flooded. Authorities say many of the deaths were caused by building collapses, as many give inadequate shelter from strong storms.

The main road linking the city to the capital, Antananarivo, was cut off in several places, “blocking humanitarian convoys”, it said, while telecommunications were unstable.

The storm also caused major destruction in the Atsinanana region surrounding Toamasina, the disaster authority said, adding that assessments were still under way.

France announced the dispatch of food aid and rescue teams from its Reunion Island, about 1,000km (600 miles) away.

Thousands of people had been forced to leave their homes, said the United Nations’s International Organization for Migration (IOM), describing “widespread destruction and disruption”.

The cyclone’s landfall was likely one of the strongest recorded in the region during the satellite era, rivalling Geralda in February 1994, it said. That storm killed at least 200 people and affected half a million more.

Gezani weakened after landfall but continued to sweep across the island as a tropical storm until late on Wednesday.

It was forecast to return to cyclone status as it reaches the Mozambique Channel, according to the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre La Reunion (CMRS), and could from Friday evening strike southern Mozambique.

Mozambican authorities issued warnings on Thursday about the approaching storm, saying it could cause violent winds and rough seas of 10-metre waves and urging people to leave the area of expected impact.

Both Madagascar and Mozambique are vulnerable to destructive storms that blow in off the Indian Ocean. Just last month, the northwestern part of Madagascar was hit by Cyclone Fytia, killing at least 14 people.

Mozambique has already faced devastating flooding from seasonal rainfall, with nearly 140 lives lost since October 1, according to the country’s National Disasters Management Institute.

The United States has revoked a scientific finding that has long been the central basis for its actions to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.

The decision on Thursday is the most aggressive move by President Donald Trump to roll back environmental regulations since the start of his second term.

Under his leadership, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalised a rule rescinding a 2009 government declaration known as the “endangerment finding”.

It is the legal underpinning for nearly all climate regulations under the Clean Air Act for motor vehicles, power plants and other pollution sources that are heating the planet.

Established under the presidency of Democrat Barack Obama, the finding establishes that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare.

But President Trump, a Republican, has called climate change a “hoax” and a “con job”. The endangerment finding, he argued, is “one of the greatest scams in history”, adding that it “had no basis in fact” or law.

“On the contrary, over the generations, fossil fuels have saved millions of lives and lifted billions of people out of poverty all over the world,” Trump said at a White House ceremony on Thursday.

He hailed the repeal of the endangerment finding as “the single largest deregulatory action in American history, by far”.

EPA administrator Lee Zeldin, who also attended the ceremony, described the endangerment finding as “the Holy Grail of federal regulatory overreach”.

Rescinding the endangerment finding repeals all greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and trucks. It could also unleash a broader unravelling of climate regulations on stationary sources such as power plants and oil and gas facilities, experts say.

But Thursday’s new rule is likely to face pushback in the US court system.

Overturning the finding will “raise more havoc” than other actions Trump has taken to roll back environmental rules, environmental law professor Ann Carlson told The Associated Press news agency.

Environmental groups described the move as the single biggest attack in US history against federal authority to address climate change. Evidence backing up the endangerment finding has only grown stronger in the 17 years since it was approved, they said.

As part of Thursday’s decision, the EPA also announced it will end tax credits for automakers who install automatic start-stop ignition systems in their vehicles. The device is intended to reduce emissions, but Zeldin said “everyone hates” it.

Zeldin, a former Republican congressman who was tapped by Trump to lead EPA last year, has criticised his Democratic predecessors, saying that, in the name of tackling climate change, they were “willing to bankrupt the country”.

The endangerment finding “led to trillions of dollars in regulations that strangled entire sectors of the United States economy, including the American auto industry”, Zeldin said, criticising the leadership of Obama and former President Joe Biden in particular.

“The Obama and Biden administrations used it to steamroll into existence a left-wing wish list of costly climate policies, electric vehicle mandates and other requirements that assaulted consumer choice and affordability.”

The endangerment finding had allowed for a series of regulations intended to protect against climate change and related threats.

They include deadly floods, extreme heat waves, catastrophic wildfires and other natural disasters in the US and around the world.

Gina McCarthy, a former EPA administrator who served as the White House’s climate adviser in the Biden administration, called the Trump administration’s actions reckless.

“This EPA would rather spend its time in court working for the fossil fuel industry than protecting us from pollution and the escalating impacts of climate change,” she said.

EPA has a clear scientific and legal obligation to regulate greenhouse gases, McCarthy explained, adding that the health and environmental hazards of climate change have “become impossible to ignore”.

Thursday’s EPA action follows an executive order from Trump that directed the agency to submit a report on “the legality and continuing applicability” of the endangerment finding.

Conservatives have long sought to undo what they consider overly restrictive and economically damaging rules to limit the greenhouse gases that cause global warming.

Democratic Senator Ed Markey said that keeping the endangerment finding should have been a “no-brainer”.

“Trump and Zeldin are putting our lives and our future at risk,” he said in a video statement.

“They have rolled back protection after protection in a race to the bottom. Instead of ‘Let them eat cake,’ Zeldin is saying, ‘Let them breathe soot.’”

HAVE you ever dreamed of packing your bags and jetting off to find a place in the sun in Europe, but thought it wasn’t possible post- Brexit?

You might be surprised to learn how easy it is for British passport-holders to secure a visa to live in Portugal.

That’s exactly what I did last year, when, as a 39-year-old singleton, I rented out my one-bedroom flat in London and moved to Lisbon to work remotely on the D7 visa.

Here’s everything you need to know about why you should choose Portugal – and how to do the same thing I did.

Why move to Portugal?

When people ask me why I wanted to move to Portugal, I always say the same thing: the amazing weather!

I was thrilled to discover that temperatures reach 30C or more in July and August and rarely dip below 10C even in January, which makes a wonderful change from the endless rain and freezing winters that were really getting me down back home.

Plus, the nearest beaches to Lisbon are a 20-minute train ride along the coast at Carcavelos – or I can share an Uber with friends over the Tagus River to reach the stunning beaches at Costa da Caparica,
which is also a popular surfing spot.

I love having the culture and nightlife of the capital city on my doorstep.

But if you prefer a quieter life, you might want to head to the seaside suburb of Cascais, the picturesque former fishing town of Ericeira or the southern coastal region of the Algarve, which is particularly popular with Brits.

Wherever you go, the cost of living is much lower in Portugal than in the UK.

The rent for my modern two-bedroom apartment with a balcony and sunset views is around £1,100 a month – while I rent out my one-bedroom flat in London for £1,800.

Eating out is astonishingly cheap. I rarely pay more than £25 for two tasty courses and a couple of drinks.

A glass of delicious Portuguese white wine is around £2.50, and you can even get a whole bottle for the same price in supermarkets.

Taxis – a luxury I rarely enjoyed in London – are much more affordable too, with ride-hailing apps Uber and Bolt regularly applying automatic discounts of up to 45 per cent to try to attract customers.

My last trip back from the airport cost £6.50 for a 25-minute ride across the city.

Finally, it’s the slower pace of life that I love here.

The locals are friendly, it’s easy to make friends within the large expat community and the city is wonderfully walkable, so you don’t have to spend hours on public transport to get to work or meet up with friends (but if you do take the Metro or bus that’s super cheap too).

Since I quit my full-time job to go freelance and swapped dreary weather for sunshine and blue skies, my stress levels have plummeted and I couldn’t be happier that I chose to make Portugal my home.

What is the D7 visa?

Introduced in 2019 to attract foreign residents, the D7 is a passive income visa which requires you to prove you have an income of €10,440 (£8,825) a year from sources such as rental income, pensions or investment dividends – which works out to around £735 per month.

If, like me, you own a property in the UK and can make £735 a month in rent, you may be eligible for the D7 visa, which requires you to pay taxes in Portugal and stay in the country for eight months out of each year (or six months consecutively).

To apply for the two-year visa, you’ll first need proof of your passive income, such as a rental agreement, pension or investment statement.

You’ll need to obtain a NIF or Número de Identificação Fiscal (taxpayer identification number), open a Portuguese bank account and deposit savings of €10,440 (£8,825) for the first adult applying, plus 50 per cent of this amount for each additional adult and 30 per cent for each child, to prove you can support yourself or
your family financially.

You must show that you have secured one year’s accommodation in Portugal.

This could be a rental agreement or 12 months of Airbnb bookings, or if you happen to know someone who already lives in Portugal they can fill in what’s called a Term of Responsibility form to say you’ll be living with them.

You will also need six months of travel insurance and a DBS criminal record check issued by the UK government within two months of your visa application appointment.

Once you’ve ticked all these boxes, the next step is to make an appointment at the VFS Global centre Manchester or London to submit all your documents.

You will also have to hand over your passport, so make sure you don’t have any travel planned in the following 60 days, which is how long VFS Global estimates it takes to process a D7 visa.

However, my passport arrived back with my visa inside after just 22 days last May.

The D7 visa application process isn’t complicated but is time-consuming, so make a detailed to-do list that you can work through methodically.

I found Facebook groups such as ‘D7 Move to Portugal’ handy for asking questions whenever they cropped up during the six-month process.

For example, I learned there’s a branch of Portuguese bank Millennium BCP in London where you can open an account in person.

The hardest part for me was finding my apartment in Lisbon.

I viewed 17 flats during a 10-day trip, landing mine after applying for three flats in different neighbourhoods.

But now that I’m happily settled into my new life, I realise it was worth all the effort and admin.

My advice if you’re tempted to make the move and think you might be eligible for the D7 visa? Go for it!

The word “desert” suggests barrenness for many, but anyone who lives in or near one knows how rich, wild and complex it can be. That’s equally true of the best books set there. The winter months are the best time to travel to the desert — but tucking into one of these titles is timeless, of course. Here is a brief selection of some of the best desert reads, old and new, that put the Southwest at their center. Whether you’re planning a road trip or reading from the comfort of home, get a glimpse of awe-inspiring vistas, rugged wildlife, tales of resilience and more.

“The Land of Little Rain”
By Mary Austin
Penguin Classics: 128 pp., $17
(1903; reprint 1997)

Arguably the first collection of lyrical essay writing about the California desert, Austin drew on her travels through the Owens Valley and environs, covering mining, the Shoshone tribe, weather and water. The book is thrilling in Austin’s close attention to details, from the grasses to rivers and hard-trod trails. Here, she writes, “it is possible to live with great zest, to have red blood and delicate joys.”

“Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness”
By Edward Abbey
Ballantine Books: 352 pp., $10
(1968; reprinted 1985)

Chronicling his stint in Utah’s Arches National Park in the late ‘50s, Abbey’s bestselling memoir revealed the beauty and fragility of the Southwest to a wider American audience, depicting the punishing weather and awe-inspiring vistas while thundering against the masses of lookie-loos driving into the desert only to despoil it. It’s often likened to “Walden,” but Abbey’s flinty, darkly humorous voice gave Western literature a tone distinct from East Coast gentility and folksy cowboy writing.

“Desert Oracle, Volume 1: Strange True Tales from the American Southwest”
By Ken Layne
Picador: 304 pp., $20
(2021)

Part handbook, part folklore collection, part tribute to the Southwest, Layne’s entertaining chronicle is built on brief chapters about the outlaws, writers, singers and other characters who define the region’s hardy reputation, from the path of Western swing musicians from Texas to L.A. to UFO conspiracists who convene in New Mexico, the Manson family’s trek to Death Valley, and beyond.

“The Deserts of California: A California Field Atlas”
By Obi Kaufmann
Heyday, 576 pp., $55
(2023)

Kaufmann’s lavishly illustrated field guide to the state’s arid regions is wide-ranging both geographically (from the Great Basin to the north and the Sonoran and Mojave to the south) and in terms of the species covered, from bats to bobcats and chias to palo verdes. It’s built for both the backpack and end table, with detailed descriptions alongside pleas for the land’s preservation.

“Mecca”
By Susan Straight
V: 384, $19
(2022)

A contemporary epic set in the Imperial Valley, Straight’s novel is a cross-section of desert denizens — a motorcycle officer, a Palm Springs spa employee, a family rocked by a police shooting — set against the demands of desert life. Encompassing COVID-19 and wildfires, it speaks to the present while exploring the region’s long history.

“Mojave Ghost”
By Forrest Gander
New Directions, 80 pp., $16
(2024)

“In this xeric topography / we fold ourselves into the circumstance of desert foothills / chewed away by leprosies, toothed winds, and / sudden rains,” writes the Pulitzer-winning poet Forrest Gander in this book-length poem about his hike across the 800 miles of the San Andreas Fault after the deaths of his wife, poet C.D. Wright, and mother. Though the writing is informed by the starkness of the landscape, he writes beautifully about the desert’s healing powers.

Athitakis is a writer in Phoenix and author of “The New Midwest.”

SHE once had a love affair with Britain – and now it seems Madonna is back in Blighty with a vengeance.

Over the past week, the 67-year-old superstar has taken to the stands at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London for two days running.

Before that, she was visiting — and waxing lyrical — about the seaside town of Margate in Kent.

So is the Queen of Pop, who has changed her image more in the last four decades than most of us change our bed sheets, back to rule Britannia and play the English lady again?

On Saturday, the self-declared “soccer mom” was at the Spurs ground to cheer on her 13-year-old twins Stella and Estere, who were playing in a Tottenham under-14s academy match.

Taking to Instagram, she told her 20.3million followers: “I will pay G*D for some sunshine! Go Estella and Estere, Hotspurs win!!! 5-0.”

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Complaining about the weather and yelling about footie . . . what could be more British than that?

The following day, she was back for more, telling fans she was taking her “second Uber ever” to watch the Tottenham Hotspur women’s team play Chelsea in the Women’s Super League.

Her boyfriend, Akeem Morris, 29, is also throwing himself into the UK way of life, VIP style, of course.

The Chelsea fan is regularly spotted at men’s home games with Madge in the directors’ box.

The couple turn up together with no security in tow.

Madonna last month visited close pal Tracey Emin and the artist’s latest exhibition in her hometown of Margate.

I will pay G*D for some sunshine! Go Estella and Estere, Hotspurs win!!! 5-0

Madonna

While there, she wrote on Instagram: “Tracey Emin is a Pearl.

“A precious necklace that has been draped around a seaside town in England called Margate.”

She added: “Whenever I go there, I feel like I’ve entered a dream.

“On top of all that, I get to eat at my favourite Italian restaurant which I’m not giving anyone the name of because then everyone’s going to go there and it only has one table!”

Margate might be a long way from the singer’s own hometown of Michigan, but she clearly felt very at home there.

And presumably the locals were delighted to have her.

Meanwhile, it is not just the singer’s social calendar that is packed with British outings.

She also seems to be making professional moves here, too.

Tracey Emin is a Pearl. A precious necklace that has been draped around a seaside town in England called Margate

Madonna

It was revealed last year that she had been secretly working with British music producer Stuart Price, who she collaborated with for 2005 album Confessions On A Dance Floor.

It is believed the pair are working on a new album, following Stuart’s role as musical director on her 2023 Celebration Tour.

Confessions On A Dance Floor might have been all disco glitter and electro pop, but it was a time when Madonna was at her most British.

Having married director Guy Ritchie in 2000 at Skibo Castle in the Scottish Highlands, the Material Girl had fully clothed herself in the trappings of a plummy country life.

Gone were the risqué red carpet outfits, replaced with a Home Counties wardrobe of tweed, riding jackets and tea dresses.

Fully embodying her Mrs Ritchie persona, Madonna went riding, took walks in the rolling fields of Wiltshire and hobnobbed around Marylebone.

She then doubled down on the act with her 2003 children’s book The English Roses.

And then, of course, there was the accent.

Having seemingly forgotten she was an Italian-American who had her first taste of adult life on the mean streets of New York City, the singer hit the headlines when she started speaking with the lilt of a posh (but slightly inebriated) Englishwoman.

It was Michigan meets Mayfair, with the added confusion of someone who thought Austin Powers was a real person.

Fans scratched their heads, but also could not help but love the campy creation of a world-class chameleon.

The singer had gone full method acting with her transatlantic marriage, becoming Madonn-rah in the process.

Whenever I go there, I feel like I’ve entered a dream. On top of all that, I get to eat at my favourite Italian restaurant which I’m not giving anyone the name of because then everyone’s going to go there and it only has one table

Madonna

Madonna kept the pretence up until she and Guy split in 2008 and she moved back to the US.

Years later, in 2020, she demonstrated some very British self-mockery when she joked about her adopted accent — and the reaction to it — while performing on her Madame X tour in London.

“I didn’t know what anyone was talking about until I heard old interviews of myself,” she told the crowd.

‘Lucky to be alive’

“And then I was horrified and flabbergasted. Why did you let me do that to myself? I’m from Michigan!”

She added: “It’s all Guy Ritchie’s fault. He made me do it.”

Meanwhile, having continued to grow her property portfolio across the world, Madonna relocated to Portugal in 2017.

That year she adopted twins Estere and Stella from Malawi (she was already mum to Lourdes, now 29, Rocco, 25, David Banda, 20, and Mercy James, 20).

The move to a £6million 18th-century mansion just outside Portuguese capital Lisbon was to help David pursue a career in football after he joined Benfica’s youth team.

Once again, the queen of reinvention did what she does best and embraced the local culture, soon debuting her Madame X persona to the world.

Her new image — and accompanying album — were heavily influenced by Portuguese life.

She later said she had been inspired by the local Fado and samba music.

The family moved back to the US in 2020, but since then Madonna has continued to prove herself a citizen of the world.

Lucky to be alive

Madonna

She splits her time between her palatial pads in New York, Los Angeles, Portugal and London, where she kept her Georgian townhouse in Marylebone after splitting from Guy.

She has also had several more reinventions along the way — which gave her plenty of material for her Celebration Tour three years ago, which took fans on a nostalgic trip over her 40-year pop career.

It was a poignant time for the singer, who had been forced to re­schedule early dates after a bacterial infection in June 2023 left her in intensive care.

She later said she felt “lucky to be alive”.

When she did finally take to the stage, she clearly relished the chance to time-hop through the years to resurrect some of her biggest songs and look back at her former personas.

After so much self-reflection, why does she now seem to be laying her hat down once again in the UK? The answer, first and foremost, seems to be her kids.

So the fact that Stella and Estere seem to be following in older brother David’s footsteps as football prodigies might just keep their proud mum back on British turf for a while.

Aga-loving lady

Added to that, eldest son Rocco is permanently based in London, where he owns his own art studio in Chelsea.

In December, Madonna played proud mum again as she attended one of his art shows in the capital.

She even posed alongside her ex-husband and Rocco’s dad Guy, suggesting the pair’s many years of animosity are now water under the bridge.

Posting the family picture, Rocco wrote: “It’s obvious why some people might hold judgment against me. I don’t blame them.

“However, I am proud to be who I am, but I’m even prouder to have both of my parents together in one room supporting me.”

She might not be sitting down for a Sunday roast with Guy and his new wife Jacqui any time soon, but the family snap was a pivotal moment.

It suggests Madonna is not fully ready to wash her hands of the years she spent winking at the world as Mrs Ritchie.

As she recently said, family means everything, describing her role as a mum of six as her­ ­“biggest medal”.

So, what is next for the woman who never stands still?

With new music in store — which is believed to be a follow-up to her British era Confessions On A Dance Floor output — there is every possibility we will see the Queen of Pop reclaim her crown as a cosplaying Brit.

Whether that will come with the lilt and wardrobe of an Aga-loving country lady remains to be seen, but one thing we do know is that she does not do things by halves.

So keep your eyes peeled, because you never know if a certain international megastar is sitting beside you at that football match, or walking just behind you on your weekend break at the seaside.

Then again, considering her former plummy accent, you will be sure to know when you hear her.

It’s the ultimate winter sun destination with white sand beaches, balmy temperatures and affordable food and drinks — because who doesn’t want to escape the UK’s February gloom and doom?

There’s a breathtaking island which is frequently crowned as the ‘ultimate winter sun destination’ and it’s just a four-hour direct flight from the UK.

Even better, that flight will only set you back £25 one-way.

Whilst the Canary Islands remain a perennial holiday favourite throughout the year, they’re especially alluring during this season. After all, who wouldn’t fancy escaping Britain’s dreary skies, freezing nights, and persistent February downpours?

Well, search no further for your next February getaway, because we’ve got the perfect suggestion for you.

This magnificent Spanish island, boasting spectacular scenery, pristine waters, and endless stretches of golden sandy coastline, represents the perfect retreat for anyone seeking a swift departure from Britain’s winter gloom.

As the eldest island in the chain – formed nearly 20 million years ago through fierce underwater volcanic eruptions from the Canary hotspot – Fuerteventura is genuinely awe-inspiring, reports the Express.

The archipelago’s second-largest island (trailing just behind Tenerife ) sits a mere 100 kilometres from North Africa’s shores, and features the chain’s most extensive white sand coastlines.

Regarded as a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, particularly those passionate about surfing, waterskiing, and windsurfing, this captivating Spanish isle embodies the perfect blend of sunshine and adventure.

With direct flights departing from London Stansted and Luton airports on 8th February priced at just £25 at the time of writing (including one cabin bag and one handbag), holidaymakers can find themselves basking carefree in the sunshine in just four hours and 20 minutes.

The affordability doesn’t end with the airfare in Fuerteventura. A pint of beer costs a bargain £1.70 on this lively island, and better still, temperatures on Fuerteventura seldom dip below 18C or climb above 32C, establishing it as the quintessential tropical haven.

February in Fuerteventura delivers ideally mild conditions – perfect for fleeing Britain’s bitter winter. Indeed, the island enjoys approximately 3,000 hours of sunshine annually.

Boasting 152 distinct beaches, including at least 50 kilometres of pristine white sand stretches and 25 kilometres of dramatic black volcanic shingle – this Canary Islands gem possesses a distinctive landscape.

Speaking of distinctiveness, Fuerteventura has another remarkable claim to fame. It’s home to one of just two surviving populations of the threatened Canarian Egyptian vulture, whilst the island itself harbours hundreds of species of rare flora and fauna.

Among Fuerteventura’s most spectacular beaches are Playa de Sotavento, Playas de Corralejo, Playas de El Cotillo, Playa de Cofete, Playas de Jandia, and Playa de Ajuy.

The northern part of the island features predominantly untouched white sand dunes, striking volcanic landscapes and craggy coastlines, while the south offers vast stretches of white sandy beaches and secluded coves – ideal for surf fans and water sports devotees.

Playa de Sotavento emerges as amongst the island’s most unique and sought-after beaches. Located on the south-eastern coast, this extraordinary beach displays an intriguing double-shore effect during low tide.

When the sea recedes, lagoons appear between the principal beach and sandbars, forming an additional golden shore.

The Sotavento stretch is famed for its extensive white sandy beaches and sparkling azure waters, making it a favoured spot for holidaymakers.

Popular locations including Corralejo and Caleta de Fuste feature well-established holiday complexes, eateries and countless activities suitable for every generation.

Corralejo’s historic quarter radiates authentic Spanish character through its narrow streets, tapas bars and freshly-caught seafood establishments.

This lively resort additionally features the impressive Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo, whilst the Calderón Hondo volcano walking route lies nearby, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

The family-friendly Caleta de Fuste, boasting its upmarket harbour and traditional markets, equally merits inclusion on any Fuerteventura travel plan. El Cotillo, a delightful and vibrant fishing village celebrated for its surfing conditions and tranquil lagoon, represents another popular destination for visitors, whilst the remote Cofete Beach and the ancient Ajuy Caves are equally essential attractions.

Spain and Portugal are bracing for a new storm, just days after Storm Leonardo’s deadly floods killed at least two people — one in Portugal and one in Spain — and forced more than 11,000 residents to evacuate their homes.

On Saturday, authorities in Portugal mobilised more than 26,500 rescuers as Storm Marta approached, forcing three municipalities to postpone Sunday’s presidential vote until next week due to severe weather.

Both countries issued warnings of further flooding after previous heavy rains had submerged roads, disrupted train services, and displaced thousands. Portuguese forecasts warned of heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas, with alerts active across the country.

In Spain, much of the south, particularly Andalusia, and the northwest were placed on orange alert for heavy rain and violent storms, the national meteorological agency Aemet said.

Other regions, including Castilla‑La Leon, Galicia, Murcia, and the Valencian Community, also received warnings. While rainfall was expected to be less “exceptional” than during Storm Leonardo, authorities cautioned that saturated ground increased the risk of flooding and landslides.

New downpours in Andalusia added to earlier rain that had already caused widespread flooding, landslides, and forced more than 10,000 people from their homes.

Many roads remained closed, and rail services were largely suspended, with officials urging residents to limit travel wherever possible.

Mario Silvestre, commander at Portugal’s civil protection agency, described the forecast as “extremely worrying”.

Juan Manuel Moreno, president of the Andalusia region, wrote on X that the “rivers have hit their limit,” warning of gusts of wind reaching 110 kilometres per hour (68 miles per hour), landslides, and flash floods.

“All the furniture is completely destroyed, the water broke the window, forced the doors open and then burst through the window from the other side,” Francisco Marques, a municipal employee in the central village of Constancia, told the AFP news agency.

After flying over flood-hit areas in southern Spain near Cadiz on Friday, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned that “difficult days” lay ahead for the region as a result of the “very dangerous” weather forecast. Sanchez added he was “bowled over at seeing the endless rain”.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said the damage exceeded four billion euros ($4.7bn).

Portugal was already reeling from the effects of Storm Kristin, which led to five deaths, hundreds of injuries, and tens of thousands without power, when Leonardo struck earlier this week.

Portugal’s National Meteorological Institute (IPMA) has placed the entire coastline on orange alert due to heavy seas, with waves reaching up to 13 metres (43 feet) high. Eight of the 18 districts on the mainland, mainly in the centre and south, are also on orange alert.

“All river basins remain under severe pressure,” particularly the Tagus River in the Lisbon region and the Sado River further south, a spokesperson for the National Civil Protection Authority told AFP.

One person died during Storm Leonardo in Portugal, and 1,100 people were evacuated across the country. A succession of atmospheric depressions forced Portugal’s dams to release “a volume of water equivalent to the country’s annual consumption” in just three days, Jose Pimenta Machado, president of the Portuguese Environment Agency, said on Friday.