A British woman lost her life in Portugal following a devastating ‘tornado’ that wreaked havoc on a campsite and hotel.
The tragic incident occurred at the HolaCamp site near Albufeira in the Algarve, where the 85-year-old victim was residing. The unexpected weather phenomenon coincided with the onslaught of Storm Claudia that battered Portugal, resulting in injuries to 28 individuals.
The elderly woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was initially reported missing and later discovered amidst the debris. Amidst the chaos of fierce winds causing debris to fly, other vacationers sought shelter.
Authorities have labeled the tragic incident as an “extreme wind phenomenon,” with Portugal’s weather agency indicating a high likelihood of it being a tornado, as per The Sun.
According to a source from the weather agency, “It was a phenomenon of strong winds, an extreme wind phenomenon, that impacted two facilities, a campsite, and a hotel.”
Law enforcement confirmed that a total of 28 individuals, including British, Portuguese, and Spanish nationals aged between six and 86, sustained injuries.
The twister also hit the Hotel Eden, causing injuries to 19 individuals, with one in serious condition. At the campsite where the British pensioner met her unfortunate end, two others were severely injured.
Portuguese president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa conveyed his condolences, expressing “solidarity with the family of the victim who lost her life due to Storm Claudia’s impact this morning in Albufeira.”
Albufeira mayor Rui Cristina remarked, “I have been closely monitoring the aftermath of the windstorm that struck our region. Today, I toured the most affected areas, including the campsite, witnessing the truly devastating scene.
“There have been reports of several injuries and the tragic loss of an 85-year-old British citizen. On behalf of myself and the municipality, I extend heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and friends.
“We are collaborating with all available municipal resources and civil protection agencies to aid the victims and expedite the restoration of safety and normalcy.”
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