Lisbon, March 18, 2026 (Lusa) - The government will apply to the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to deal with damage from weather disasters in Portugal this year, the territorial cohesion minister said on Wednesday.

Manuel Castro Almeida was responding in parliament to questions from the Social Democratic Party (PSD) about the government's actions to deal with the damage caused by storms Kristin, Leonardo and Marta in late January and early February, affecting regions mainly in central mainland Portugal.

"Yes, the government will submit an application to the European Union Solidarity Fund," the minister said, without giving further details.

The EUSF provides rapid and flexible financial assistance of up to €1 billion a year to member states affected by major natural disasters.

Responding to the Socialist Party, Castro Almeida denied blaming local councils for delays in procedures for aid to reach affected populations, highlighting that "many problems are hindering payments".

"We must be as fast as possible with the least possible bureaucracy," he said.

At least 19 people have died in Portugal since 28 January following storms Kristin, Leonardo and Marta, which also left hundreds of people injured, homeless or displaced. More than half of the deaths were recorded during recovery work.

The storms, which hit the mainland for about three weeks, caused the total or partial destruction of thousands of homes, businesses and equipment, as well as falling trees and structures, power, water and communication cuts, and flooding, with damage amounting to billions of euros.

The Central, Lisbon and Tagus Valley and Alentejo regions were the most affected.

RCS/LYT // AYLS

Lusa