Storm Kristin: Parques de Sintra activated response teams enabling the reopening of monuments

Following the internal reorganisation recently implemented, Parques de Sintra created rapid-response teams and, in view of the weather forecast associated with the passage of Storm Kristin, immediately deployed teams on the ground, prioritising people’s safety and the restoration of circulation conditions.

Operations advanced as soon as weather conditions allowed, with road and path clearance works throughout the affected area and a preliminary damage assessment, feasible under the circumstances. Essential safety conditions were restored at monuments and parks within the first 24 hours after the passage of Storm Kristin. In the preliminary record, the fall of 92 trees was recorded at the Park of Pena, 52 at the Park of Monserrate and five in the Gardens of the National Palace of Sintra.

João Sousa Rego, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Parques de Sintra, states that ‘we already had teams prepared, which immediately went out into the field, intervening swiftly and in a coordinated manner in clearing roads and paths, the controlled dismantling of at-risk trees and the removal of debris following the passage of Storm Kristin.’

He adds that ‘an assessment of the monuments and buildings under Parques de Sintra’s management was also carried out, with no serious or structural damage identified, and the final cleaning operations are under way on the road access to the Park and Palace of Monserrate and to the Convent of the Capuchos, in collaboration with Civil Protection.’ João Sousa Rego further underlines that ‘Parques de Sintra is assessing the impact of this new extreme phenomenon on the forest perimeter under its management, which includes more than one thousand hectares of woodland, using ground teams and drones across the entire area, with the consolidation of results expected in the coming days.’

The Chairman of the Board of Directors also highlights ‘the professionalism and dedication of all Parques de Sintra employees and the active collaboration between institutional partners, particularly the Municipal Council of Sintra, at a particularly complex moment following the night of Storm Kristin.’

The figures now released are preliminary and may be updated as the technical and operational assessment progresses.