The locals spent an Unhappy Weekend in the Algarve, as heavy floods hit the region by the Portuguese shore of the Atlantic Ocean Sunday last, causing damage, not to mention much havoc.

The most affected parishes in the Algarve region of Portugal were Loule, Portimao, Olhao, Silves and Albufeira. The flood has left many people homeless and has even caused casualties. A senior was reported dead after the dramatic flooding of last a couple days ago. The 80-year old man drowned after his car was submerged in the muddy waters in the tourist part of Albufeira.

The most affected region was indeed Albufeira, where help from the authorities (particularly firemen) and the locals worked hand in hand to evacuate the people and to shovel away the thick and muddy waters. Some houses and stores in the towns were filled with water from floor to ceiling. Waves of up to 5 meters were reported, along with winds that reached 50 miles per hour.

As was to be expected, some locals blame the authorities for what they consider to have been a poor management of the entire crisis situation. Nonetheless, measures are being taken to ensure the safety and we-being of the locals, to the extent that logistics permit it.

Portugal was not the only country to have been affected by the flood. Spain has also suffered its share of damage and destruction. In fact, the entire Iberian Peninsula was badly hit by the thunderstorms. There has been a flash flood event in the area of Valencia and over 1300 lightning strikes were reported in Spain, according to Meteo Europe.

All we can do is raise a prayer and keep our hopes up that Portugal and Spain will soon recover after this test and that the rains will be merciful from now on.