Else Beekman
Storm Kirk has caused significant damage, particularly due to fallen trees and broken roof parts. While the region experienced heavy rainfall, it was the strong winds that caused the most incidents.
In the city of Ourense, Kirk made its presence felt particularly in the morning hours with strong gusts of wind, bringing down trees and large branches onto streets and pavements. The Ourense fire brigade had a busy day, responding to reports of fallen trees on the Avenida de Marín and near Salesianos College, where a tree in a park fell just before the children were about to go to school. Fortunately, no one was injured, but it caused quite a scare among those present.
As a precaution, the Ourense City Council has decided to close parks and river walks at least until Thursday. Local inspectors will assess these areas for further hazards before reopening them to the public.
Damage to buildings and infrastructure
In addition to the fallen trees, Kirk also caused damage to buildings. Parts of roofs and façades fell in various locations, including a section of an old fire escape on Calle Reza. The fire brigade was also called out to remove an unstable streetlight and clear fallen roof tiles from different streets. In O Barco de Valdeorras, the Mariñán stream overflowed, leading to floods and the closure of several streets.
Power outages and road closures
In several parts of the province, such as O Carballiño and Vilariño de Conso, roads were temporarily closed due to fallen trees. Additionally, fallen power lines caused electricity outages in multiple villages. In Cea, large areas were left without power. Local emergency services are working hard to repair the damage, but poor weather conditions are making it difficult to carry out the work.