Lisbon, Feb. 10, 2026 (Lusa) - The Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, acknowledged on Monday that the Oeste railway line will take "at least nine months" to become fully operational, following the damage caused by the storms that ravaged the country.

At the end of a meeting with various entities in the infrastructure sector, Miguel Pinto Luz said that "when the waters recede, it will be possible to reopen some infrastructure, but there are others that will take three months, others will take longer".

"It's a long job, but the country is mobilised in all its dimensions to return to normality as quickly as possible," he added, referring to the collaboration between local authorities, the state and the private sector.

Minister Miguel Pinto Luz also announced that the National Civil Engineering Laboratory (LNEC) has been mandated to lead a national audit of the safety of major infrastructure, such as "large embankments and bridges," because they cannot "be compromised in extreme situations" such as those that have been experienced in the country.

Fifteen people have died in Portugal since 28 January as a result of the Kristin, Leonardo and Marta storms, which have also left many hundreds injured and homeless.

The total or partial destruction of homes, businesses and equipment, the fall of trees and structures, the closure of roads, schools and transport services, and the cutting of power, water and communications, floods and inundations are the main material consequences of the storm.

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

The government has extended the state of emergency until the 15th for 68 municipalities and announced support measures of up to €2.5 billion.

CT/ADB // ADB.

Lusa