The motion of condolence, approved at the start of the February plenary session of the Azorean parliament in the city of Horta, on the island of Faial, was presented by the president, Luís Garcia, and signed by the leaders of the various parliamentary groups.

In the document, the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (ALRAA) expresses “its deep sorrow for the lives lost, offering its most heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expressing solidarity with all those who suffered human losses and material damage as a result of these events.”

“At a particularly challenging time for the affected communities, it is important to acknowledge the tireless work carried out by government officials, local authorities, firefighters, Civil Protection agents and security forces, military personnel, health professionals, and all citizens who, with a high sense of responsibility and spirit of solidarity, provided support to the affected populations and contributed to the rescue, assistance, and reconstruction operations,” it reads.

Given the scale of the human and material losses recorded, ALRAA reaffirms “the importance of a coordinated and effective response that allows for the recovery of the affected areas and the restoration of normal conditions, guaranteeing the necessary support to families, workers, and the most affected sectors, especially the agricultural and productive sectors.”

“As an island territory exposed to adverse natural phenomena and the challenges these pose to the population, the Autonomous Region of the Azores joins, with a particular sense of solidarity, the affected communities, reaffirming the bonds of unity and cohesion that prevail when part of the national territory is confronted with situations of calamity,” it adds.

ALRAA expresses “its solidarity with the populations and regions affected” by the passage of depressions Kristin, Leonardo and Marta, which caused 18 deaths, hundreds of injuries and displacements, and significant material damage in various regions of the country.

“The intensity of the wind, associated with periods of heavy rainfall, caused floods, landslides and rockfalls, causing significant damage to homes, public and private infrastructure, commercial establishments and agricultural holdings, with particular impact on the destruction of crops and pastures, compromising the livelihoods of countless families and isolating several communities,” it adds.

The ALRAA (Regional Assembly of the Azores) also notes that the Central, Lisbon and Tagus Valley, and Alentejo regions were particularly affected, "being marked by a scenario of destruction that compromised the normal lives of thousands of citizens, with fallen trees and structures, the closure of roads, schools and transport services, cuts in the supply of water, energy and communications, as well as the occurrence of floods and inundations."

The motion of condolence approved in the Azorean parliament will be sent to the President of the Republic, the President of the Assembly of the Republic, and the Prime Minister.