Medvedev expresses condolences over Portugal landslide disaster

RIA Novosti,

Moscow : Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has offered his condolences to President of Portugal Cavaco Silva over mudslides and flooding on the Portuguese island of Madeira that killed 38 people, the Kremlin press office said on Sunday.

Heavy rains hit Portugal's Atlantic island of Madeira, located some 900 km (559 miles) southeast of Portugal, on Saturday, causing mudslides and flooding. Over 100 people were injured in the natural disaster.

"I perceived with regret and compassion the news of a natural disaster on the island of Madeira. I am requesting you to convey the most sincere condolences to the families of victims and the words of support for all those hit by the disaster," Medvedev said in a telegram.

Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates earlier said he was "shocked by the images, by the consequences of this calamity."

Portugal is reported to be considering the declaration of a state of emergency in the worst hit areas.

The storms are reported to be the heaviest to hit the island, which has a population of 245,000, since October 1993, when eight people died.