A woman from the UK has tragically lost her life in Portugal following a severe weather incident described as a ‘tornado’ that wreaked havoc on a campsite and hotel.
The 85-year-old victim was staying at the HolaCamp site near Albufeira in the Algarve region when the unexpected weather disturbance, coinciding with the impact of Storm Claudia in Portugal, caused destruction and left 28 others injured.
The elderly woman, whose identity has not yet been revealed, was initially reported missing but was later discovered deceased amidst the debris. Fellow holidaymakers sought shelter as powerful winds scattered debris in the area.
Authorities have labeled the incident as an “extreme wind phenomenon,” with Portugal’s meteorological agency indicating a “high probability” of a tornado occurrence, as reported by The Sun.
An official from the weather agency stated, “It was a phenomenon of strong winds, an extreme wind phenomenon, that impacted two locations, a campsite and a hotel establishment.”
Law enforcement confirmed a total of 28 individuals, including British, Portuguese, and Spanish nationals aged between six and 86, sustained injuries.
The tornado also caused damage at the Hotel Eden, resulting in 19 injuries, with one person in critical condition. Two individuals were severely injured at the campsite where the British woman was tragically found deceased.
Portugal’s president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, expressed solidarity with the victim’s family, acknowledging the unfortunate loss due to the impact of Storm Claudia in Albufeira.
The mayor of Albufeira, Rui Cristina, stated, “Since the onset, I have been closely monitoring the aftermath of the windstorm that struck our region. Today, I visited the most affected areas, notably the campsite, where the devastation is profound.
“Reports indicate multiple injuries and one fatality, an elderly British citizen. On behalf of myself and the municipality, I extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends.
“We are collaborating with all available local resources and civil protection agencies to assist the victims and expedite the restoration of safety and normalcy.”
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