Portugal’s government approved a set of emergency laws to speed reconstruction after deadly flooding, clearing administrative hurdles as part of a €2.5 billion ($2.9 billion) support package in one of the largest disaster-relief efforts ever mobilized by the country.
The cabinet agreed to extend the calamity declaration until Feb. 15, citing damage from Storm Kristin and the continued risk of severe flooding as Storm Leonardo crosses the country and Storm Marta approaches the mainland. The status allows authorities to suspend normal procedures to accelerate spending and emergency response.
Three localities postponed voting tied to Sunday’s