“Just as there was extensive damage to homes, factories, and schools, there was also very significant damage to churches, chapels, and parish buildings in several dioceses, especially in Leiria-Fátima, by far the most affected,” said the foundation’s director, Catarina Martins de Bettecourt, in the campaign launch video.

“The magnitude of this disaster is still being assessed, but the images and reports from the ground show a dramatic reality and the need for immediate support,” she added.

Information on where to deliver donations is available on the website donativos.fundacao-ais.pt or directly via MBWay (918125574).

“Every donation we give is a new tile or a brick for the reconstruction of our churches and the hope of the communities,” highlighted Catarina Martins de Bettencourt.

The total or partial destruction of houses, businesses and equipment, the fall of trees and structures, the closure of roads, schools and transport services, and the interruption of energy, water and communications are the main material consequences of the storm in the early morning of 28 January.

The Central, Lisbon, Tagus Valley, and Alentejo regions are the most affected.

The Government has declared a state of emergency for 68 municipalities until Sunday and announced a support package of up to €2.5 billion.