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Historic Sintra Devastated as Storm Uproots Dozens of Protected Trees

Centuries-old trees lie shattered across Sintra's famed Serra mountains. Now, a beloved historic district grapples with isolation—and an uncertain path to repair.

The image shows a poster with a collage of photos of Portugal, featuring buildings, trees, water, a...
The image shows a poster with a collage of photos of Portugal, featuring buildings, trees, water, a bridge, a tower, a statue, and the sky. The poster also has text written on it, likely describing the various attractions and activities available in the country.

Historic Sintra Devastated as Storm Uproots Dozens of Protected Trees

A powerful storm linked to the Kristin depression has struck Sintra, causing severe damage to its historic district. High winds and heavy rain left fallen trees, blocked roads and widespread power cuts across the area.

The storm's intensity created a 'wind tunnel' effect in Sintra's Serra mountains. This force uprooted at least 25 trees, some of which were protected species. Several historic buildings suffered structural damage as branches and trunks crashed down.

Debris from the fallen trees has blocked key access routes and monuments in the Serra region. Authorities have yet to reopen these areas, leaving parts of the historic district cut off. The outages also disrupted electricity for many residents, adding to the storm's impact.

Repairs to roads, monuments and power lines will take time. The loss of protected trees adds to the challenges for Sintra's heritage sites. Officials have not yet confirmed when the closed areas will reopen.

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