Following the passage of Storm Kristin, the Tavira Humanitarian Center made the CC-122 Coordination and Command vehicle available to the Regional Emergency Coordination, reinforcing the response capacity on the ground when speed and coordination between teams are crucial.

With this support, it was possible to quickly deploy a large part of the Starlink network in the Theater of Operations, ensuring resilient communications and direct support to the Command Posts of the Portuguese Red Cross, even in the context of widespread failures.

When everything else fails, communicating is protecting: it's about coordinating, prioritizing, and getting where it matters.

The storm left a demanding trail, with a significant impact on infrastructure: around 220,000 homes were left without power, with Leiria being the district with the largest share, according to E-Redes. Each house in the dark is more than just a number; it represents families suffering from the cold, more vulnerable elderly people, disrupted routines, and a heavy sense of uncertainty.

In this context, we reaffirm the importance of cooperation at all levels of Civil Protection: institutions, agents, and volunteers working as one team, with trust and shared resources.

We also emphasize the value of international cooperation, with the solidarity support of the Spanish Red Cross, which reinforces our ability to be present where it is most needed.

We will continue on the ground, providing emergency services, logistical support, emergency communications, and shelter to those who need it most.

To all those who have helped and continue to help, on the ground and behind the scenes: Thank you.