Floods have left 32 people dead in Portugal

By IRNA,

Madrid : Floods and mudslides caused by torrents of rains have left at least 32 people dead in Madeira, Portugal.

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IRNA reporter in Madrid said that and more than twice that number are unaccounted for.

Earlier, Portugal’s premier Jose Socrates arrived in Madeira to assess the damage for himself and help coordinate the aid effort.

Situated next to three main water arteries that run into the Atlantic, the low-lying capital Funchal saw some of the worst flooding.

Emergency crews struggled in the face of such fierce currents while locals and tourists were forced to run the gauntlet.

Cars, roads, bridges and trees were all swept away as rising water gushed down from the island’s steep hillsides after the freak heavy downpours.