Latter-day Saints Assist Relief Efforts following Devastating Storms in Central Portugal

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are helping to provide critical support and resources to communities affected by a series of severe storms that struck central Portugal in early February.

Days of intense rainfall and extreme winds culminated in Storm Kristin, which caused extensive destruction across the districts of Leiria, Marinha Grande, Coimbra and Santarém. Wind gusts above 200 km/h and widespread flooding damaged homes, infrastructure and numerous industrial and commercial buildings. At the height of the storm nearly one million people were left without electricity and some areas experienced communication outages for up to three days.

Church leaders have confirmed that all members and missionaries in the affected areas are safe.

Church Collaboration with Relief Partners

The Church is working in close collaboration with Caritas, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Church and the Portuguese Red Cross to identify urgent local needs and support with relief efforts. In response, the Church has provided essential emergency items, including warm blankets, flashlights, handheld radios and power banks. Tarpaulins have also been delivered to help protect damaged roofs. Severe roof damage caused nationwide shortages of tarpaulin and roofing tiles, and local authorities identified these materials as critical for short-term recovery.

Portuguese Latter-day Saints have assisted Caritas staff in sorting and preparing donations for distribution. The Church also contacted and worked with two of the most affected municipalities of Leiria and Marinha Grande to support broader community clean-up and distribution efforts.

Local Latter-day Saints Mobilise to Serve Communities

Latter-day Saint congregations across the country – including in Lisbon, Porto, Porto Norte and Oeiras – established collection points to gather donations from members. These congregations also supported delivery of clothing, hygiene supplies, footwear and other goods to Caritas Leiria and Caritas Setúbal.

Elder José M. Ribeiro, an Area Seventy and senior ecclesiastical leader of the Church in Portugal, said: “Local members responded with remarkable willingness, doing what they could with the resources they had. Their service has made a meaningful difference for families facing uncertainty. As recovery progresses, the Church will remain in contact with municipal leaders and other organisations to understand where support may still be needed. Our desire is to support communities where appropriate and where our help can genuinely add value.”

Among these initiatives was a community service effort involving Church members from the Leiria area. Dozens of volunteers – particularly youth from local congregations – joined together in a day-long project to assist a husband and wife, Steve and Sarah McGuinness, whose property in Chumbaria had suffered extensive storm damage. With the help of Latter-day Saints, large areas with debris were cleared and key areas of the property were stabilised. Sarah expressed deep gratitude, sharing that following their call for help, “nearly 40 volunteers from our local church arrived the very next morning. They didn’t just bring tools; they brought a mountain of energy and heart. In a single day this incredible crew achieved more than we could have tackled alone in six months. The debris clearing means the structures are breathing again and, most importantly, our spirits are renewed. To this wonderful group of people: You didn’t just help us clear up the damage to the houses and our land – you helped us rebuild our hope.”

The Reynolds family, members of one of the local Leiria congregations, played a key role in coordinating and encouraging youth and others to join the effort. Julie Reynolds reflected on the experience: “It was a joyful day and we feel grateful we were able to take part. Working alongside our congregation’s members was the balm we all needed after the storm.”

Emotional and Community Support During Recovery

Latter-day Saint efforts have extended beyond providing material assistance. In Leira, Church Family Services offered psychological support to help individuals and families manage any emotional distress and begin the recovery process.

The Coimbra Portugal Stake, encompassing several areas hardest hit by the storm, saw a swift response from local Church members. President Cosme Costa, Coimbra Portugal stake president, said:

“When the first storm hit at three in the morning the first thought that came to my mind was our need to be prepared. In moments like this we realise that we are never fully ready, yet each family can strengthen their spiritual and material preparation. That preparation can bring peace, even in uncertainty. What impressed me most was how our members immediately united – going door to door, checking on neighbours and supporting the municipality and community organisations. Their willingness to serve reflects the love of Christ.”

“One of the greatest lessons from this experience is the importance of extending Christian service in the community, regardless of religion or background. Our congregations worked side by side with local authorities and organisations like Caritas in Leiria to support anyone in need.”

As families begin returning to their homes and assessing the full extent of the damage, the Church remains committed to providing support and continued collaboration with local authorities and humanitarian organisations.