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Madeira wildfires: Evacuations as flames approach Funchal Madeira wildfires: Woman dies as flames reach Funchal
(about 9 hours later)
More than 400 people have been evacuated on the Portuguese island of Madeira after wildfires destroyed buildings near the capital, Funchal. An elderly woman was killed and a thousand people evacuated from homes and hotels as wildfires on the Portuguese island of Madeira hit the capital, Funchal.
Regional President Miguel Albuquerque said one person had suffered serious burns and scores of others had needed treatment for the effects of smoke. The woman died when her home caught fire near the centre of the city, reports said. Another two people have been seriously hurt.
At least 27 homes had been destroyed on the popular holiday island, off north-west Africa, he added. Several buildings were destroyed, reportedly including a five-star hotel.
Smoke fanned by strong winds has also disrupted flights at the airport. Fires have burned for two days on the holiday island off north-west Africa.
Mr Albuquerque told reporters that fires encroaching on Funchal were now under control and cooler temperatures forecast for Wednesday should ease the situation. Wildfires have also affected the Portuguese mainland in recent days as temperatures climb above 35C. Twelve major fires, most of them in the north-west of the country, were burning on Wednesday morning, according to Portugal's civil protection agency.
Firefighters said steep hills and dense woodland were making it difficult to tackle the flames. Smoke fanned by strong winds from North Africa disrupted flights at Funchal airport. Firefighters said steep hills and dense woodland were making it difficult to tackle the flames.
However, Regional President Miguel Albuquerque told reporters that cooler temperatures forecast for Wednesday should ease the situation.
Madeira has been experiencing high summer temperatures.Madeira has been experiencing high summer temperatures.
Footage showed plumes of smoke over central Funchal on Tuesday and residents using hosepipes to try to quench fires as burning embers were carried by the wind.Footage showed plumes of smoke over central Funchal on Tuesday and residents using hosepipes to try to quench fires as burning embers were carried by the wind.
A shopping centre and a hospital were among the buildings evacuated, reports said.A shopping centre and a hospital were among the buildings evacuated, reports said.
Wildfires have also been affecting the Portuguese mainland in recent days. Are you in the area? Have you been affected? Tell us your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Seven major fires, most of them in the north of the country, were burning out of control by Tuesday evening, officials said. You can also contact us in the following ways:
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