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Rescuers search flood-hit Madeira Rescuers search flood-hit Madeira
(about 4 hours later)
Rescue workers are searching mud-filled streets and houses on the Portuguese island of Madeira after flash floods left at least 42 people dead.Rescue workers are searching mud-filled streets and houses on the Portuguese island of Madeira after flash floods left at least 42 people dead.
More than 120 others were injured and an unknown number are missing, raising fears that the death toll could rise.More than 120 others were injured and an unknown number are missing, raising fears that the death toll could rise.
Heavy rains brought tonnes of mud and stones down the slopes of the island, flooding the streets of the regional capital, Funchal, and other towns.Heavy rains brought tonnes of mud and stones down the slopes of the island, flooding the streets of the regional capital, Funchal, and other towns.
Water, power and telecommunications were cut in some areas.Water, power and telecommunications were cut in some areas.
In pictures: Flood aftermath Briton dies in Madeira floods Your picturesIn pictures: Flood aftermath Briton dies in Madeira floods Your pictures
The weather improved on Sunday following Saturday's rains, making it easier for rescue workers.The weather improved on Sunday following Saturday's rains, making it easier for rescue workers.
But regional social services spokesman Francisco Ramos said there were "great difficulties" in communications and that the death toll "will likely increase, given the circumstances of this flood".But regional social services spokesman Francisco Ramos said there were "great difficulties" in communications and that the death toll "will likely increase, given the circumstances of this flood".
Prime Minister Jose Socrates, on the island, said he was "profoundly shocked" by the severity of the floods, and promised that his government would help Madeira recover as quickly as possible. Three remote areas in the south of the island have been cut off. Officials fear more bodies may be found there.
The Portuguese military has sent specialist rescue and medical teams to the island. The Portuguese cabinet is due to discuss the crisis in an extraordinary meeting on Monday, and expected to announce three days of national mourning.
The Spanish government has offered its help with the rescue effort. Prime Minister Jose Socrates, who is on the island, said he was "profoundly shocked" by the severity of the floods, and promised that his government would help Madeira recover as quickly as possible.
The military has sent specialist rescue and medical teams to the island. Construction companies on the island have lent equipment to clear the streets.
MADEIRA FACTS Autonomous region of Portugal with population of around 250,000Lies just over 480km (300 miles) from West African coast The European continent is more than 900km awayMADEIRA FACTS Autonomous region of Portugal with population of around 250,000Lies just over 480km (300 miles) from West African coast The European continent is more than 900km away
Madeira, which is located about 900km (560miles) from the Portuguese mainland, is popular with foreign tourists. The Spanish government has offered its help with the rescue effort.
Madeira, located about 900km (560miles) from the Portuguese mainland, is popular with foreign tourists.
The Foreign Office in London said a British national had died in the floods, and that a small number of Britons were in hospital on Madeira.The Foreign Office in London said a British national had died in the floods, and that a small number of Britons were in hospital on Madeira.
The world's most famous Madeiran, Real Madrid football star Cristiano Ronaldo, said he was "shocked and dismayed" by the floods.The world's most famous Madeiran, Real Madrid football star Cristiano Ronaldo, said he was "shocked and dismayed" by the floods.
"Nobody can remain indifferent to the disaster," he said. "I want to express my willingness to, as far as I can, help agencies and authorities to overcome the effects of this devastation.""Nobody can remain indifferent to the disaster," he said. "I want to express my willingness to, as far as I can, help agencies and authorities to overcome the effects of this devastation."
The BBC Weather Centre says the severe weather was due to a low pressure system, and that while Madeira can expect further rain with heavy downpours on Sunday, there is no danger of a repeat of the flash floods.The BBC Weather Centre says the severe weather was due to a low pressure system, and that while Madeira can expect further rain with heavy downpours on Sunday, there is no danger of a repeat of the flash floods.


Do you live in the area? Have you been affected by the floods and mudslides? Are you visiting the island?Do you live in the area? Have you been affected by the floods and mudslides? Are you visiting the island?
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