Flood occurred at Funchal, capital of Madeira Islands after heavy rains on 20 February 2010. On Saturday, heavy rain lashed the island and turning some streets in the Funchal, into intense rivers of mud, water and debris. On the Portuguese island of Madeira, the death toll from mudslides and flash flooding rose to 42 people on Sunday when the emergency aid rushed to the resort. According to authorities, more than 120 other people were injured and an unknown numbers are missing. Read below the information of Madeira Flood and Rescue with its photos.
Tones of mud and stones were brought by heavy rains and down the slopes of the island, flooding the streets of the regional capital, Funchal, and other towns. On Sunday, weather was improved and become easy for rescue workers.
Regional social services spokesman Francisco Ramos said that according to situation of this flood, the death toll "will likely increase and there were 'great difficulties' in interactions". Ramos also said that they will continue search for bodies and administers were "waiting for teams from the mainland to continue working on the ground."
Due to flood, phone lines were knocked out, so emergency rescue services were forced to appeal for off-duty doctors and nurses over local radio stations to report, and to clear roads and remove debris, local authorities called in workers to operate heavy machinery. Further complicated rescue attempts were electricity and water cuts.
Due to discussion about the crisis, the Portuguese cabinet is in an unusual assembly on Monday, and expected to proclaim three days of nationalized sorrow. By the harshness of the floods, Prime Minister Jose Socrates was "profoundly shocked" and promised that as quickly as possible; his government would help Madeira recover. Specialist rescue and medical teams were sent by the military to the Madeira Island and to clear the streets equipment are lent by construction companies on the island.
About 900km (560miles) from the Portuguese mainland, Madeira is located. Madeira is popular with UK holidaymakers, so many passengers come to this island but sad news is that with local people, some passengers were also hunted by flood.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who is the world's most famous Madeiran, Real Madrid football star said that by the floods, he was "shocked and dismayed," and "nobody can remain indifferent to the disaster". "I want to express my willingness to, as far as I can, help agencies and authorities to overcome the effects of this devastation."
Madeira Flood Photos:
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