Severe storms across southern Europe and north-west Africa have forced mass evacuations and widespread emergency responses. Storm Leonardo brought intense flooding to Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with rivers reaching record levels and transport disrupted. In parts of southern Spain thousands fled homes, while northern Morocco evacuated over 140,000 residents as dams filled and rainfall continued. Mountain areas recorded extraordinary totals in little more than a day. A second system, Storm Marta, though less intense, added further rain, strong winds and coastal waves. This contrasts sharply with northern and eastern Europe, where persistent high pressure caused extreme cold and record low temperatures. Meteorologists say the unusual pattern has lasted weeks, steering storms south while trapping cold air elsewhere. Although the rainfall has eased drought conditions in Morocco, communities now face recovery, displacement and rebuilding after damage and loss. Update: Portugal’s interior minister has resigned after criticism of her handling of the storms.  See