Portuguese island storm toll rises to 40

MADEIRA ISLAND - At least 40 people were killed in floods and mudslides following heavy storms on the Portuguese Atlantic island of Madeira, authorities said Sunday.

About 70 people were injured and 248 left homeless by the storms which devastated the island Saturday. No tourists were reported to be among the fatalities.

It was not clear how many people remained missing after water masses swept away people, cars and trees. Some bridges also collapsed, buildings were destroyed and streets were rendered unusable.

Several localities remained cut off from the outside world, with power cuts and water shortages also persisting in some places, while the rains continued with less intensity.

Funchal airport was reopened after being closed Saturday. The authorities had earlier advised residents not to leave their homes.

Lisbon would supply Madeira with “all the necessary help”, Prime Minister Jose Socrates said late Saturday after meeting with the regional government.

Special teams were due to be sent to help rescue victims and identify fatalities. Two helicopters and a navy frigate with a medical team on board had already left for Madeira Saturday.

The regional authorities requested the European Union for emergency aid. Jose Manuel Barroso, the Portuguese European Commission president, pledged support to the Portuguese authorities facing a “terrible disaster”.

Known for its spectacular vegetation, “flower island” Madeira has 265,000 residents. It is the largest island in an archipelago of the same name. About a million tourists visit Madeira annually.