The town of Marinha Grande, Portugal, is grappling with the aftermath of recent severe storms, facing a challenging road to recovery as the summer season approaches. While progress is being made in restoring essential services, significant concerns remain about the impact on local businesses, infrastructure, and the potential for wildfires. A comprehensive assessment of the damage and ongoing relief efforts was the focus of a special broadcast by Antena 1 radio on Thursday, February 19, 2026, originating from the Marinha Grande Volunteer Fire Department headquarters.

The “Emissão Reconstruir” (Rebuild Broadcast) initiative, as it’s been dubbed, highlighted the uneven pace of recovery across the municipality. While the central areas of Marinha Grande have seen a more consistent restoration of communications and electricity, peripheral parishes continue to struggle with outages and limited internet access. The broadcast featured interviews with local leaders and residents, painting a picture of resilience alongside growing anxieties about the future.

The situation is particularly concerning for the coastal parish of Vieira de Leiria. Carlos Monteiro, president of the Praia da Vieira Socio-Cultural Development Association, expressed pessimism about the upcoming tourist season, stating, “I don’t believe, at the speed we are recovering, that the summer will have a beautiful beach as we usually have.” He fears that business closures and job losses are inevitable if the recovery doesn’t accelerate, and called for greater support from the central government in managing the distribution of essential building materials, such as roofing tiles. Monteiro went on to express frustration with the perceived lack of national attention, stating, “I think Portugal doesn’t exist, there are only the cities and nothing else.”

Beyond the immediate economic concerns, officials are also bracing for the increased risk of wildfires this summer. Eduardo Abreu, commander of the Marinha Grande Volunteer Fire Department, warned that the storm left a significant amount of fallen trees and debris in the forests, creating a dangerous fuel load. “When summer arrives, we have the concern of forest fires,” Abreu said, noting that “the forest cover is all on the ground.”

Damage Assessment and Recovery Efforts

The storm’s impact extends beyond homes and businesses. The local Rádio Clube Marinhense suffered significant damage, with its main transmission tower downed three weeks ago. Rui Graça, a broadcaster at the station, explained that they were able to resume limited broadcasting thanks to a loaned tower from a radio station in Évora – Diana FM – but are currently only reaching the center of the city. The Sporting Clube Marinhense also sustained substantial damage, losing its pavilion just days before its 87th anniversary. Club president Miguel Bataglia described the loss as “the gift we didn’t want,” forcing the team to find alternative training locations.

The industrial sector has also been hit hard. The Crisal glass company estimates losses of eight million euros, though production has largely resumed. Susana Santos, vice president of the Marinha Grande Commercial and Industrial Association, emphasized the necessitate for increased support for small businesses as they navigate the recovery process.

The Associação Protetora dos Animais da Marinha Grande (Marinha Grande Animal Protection Association) is also seeing an increase in requests for assistance, with President Catarina Contente reporting around 10 requests per day for help with animal food and locating lost pets. “The worst is just beginning to arrive,” she stated.

Community Resilience and a Message of Hope

Despite the challenges, a spirit of resilience is evident throughout the community. Paulo Tojeira, president of the Associação Tocándar and artistic director, offered a message of hope during the Antena 1 broadcast, playing the association’s song “O Pôr do Sol a nascer” (The Sun Rising). “The sun rises every day and we cannot stop at sunset,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of facing new problems “with our heads held high” after what he described as a “great catastrophe.” Tojeira recounted how young people and parents mobilized to clean up the association’s headquarters after a large tree fell during the storm.

The Teatro do Botão (Button Theater) also had to reorganize its work in light of the damage. Susana Rodrigues and Maria Ramalho, representatives of the theater company, highlighted the need for adaptability in the face of adversity.

The ongoing “Emissão Reconstruir” broadcasts, including the program from Marinha Grande, are part of a larger initiative by Antena 1, Antena 2, and Antena 3 to provide information and support to communities affected by the recent severe weather. The broadcasts are also being simulcast on RDP Internacional, extending their reach to Portuguese speakers abroad. RDP Internacional details the broader initiative.

As Marinha Grande continues to rebuild, the focus remains on restoring essential services, supporting local businesses, and preparing for the challenges of the summer season. The long-term impact of the storms will depend on sustained support from both the government and the community. The next phase of recovery will be critical in determining the region’s ability to bounce back and ensure a viable future for its residents.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s continue the conversation and support the communities affected by these storms.