Over 30 reported dead in Madeira mudslides

Saturday 20th February 2010, 7:50PM GMT.

Residents survey the evidence of the mudslides. Picture: PA

Thousands of Islanders are waiting anxiously to hear news of loved ones in Madeira where over 30 people are reported to have been killed in massive mudslides.

The Madeiran newspaper Diario da Noticias has reported 32 dead and 68 injured.

Severe rainstorms have battered the island, with homes and bridges destroyed or damaged by streams of mud and water.

The Airport was closed and telephone links cut although some people have been able to text or to telephone on landlines.

No emergency numbers for Islanders to call have yet been established, but help with making contact is being offered by the States Police, who have Portuguese-speaking officers available. They ask anyone needing assistance to call them on 612612.

• A full report on Jersey’s response will be published in Monday’s Jersey Evening Post.

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