Return of the first cruise ship ; British tourists tell of ordeal ; Why the floods happened
Today’s photo – Many thanks to … Pete : "Funchal first cruse liner waiting to dock since disaster. Thought you may like it not docked yet". The AIDAluna of course, and a nice way to start the week in a positive way, with some signs of normality returning. Der
From Tobi by email : "I haven’t put this on the blog as i think Madeira has had enough bad news over the last week, But if you think people should know then I’m happy for you to post.
My best friend from Caniço went to Funchal for a drink around 10.30 pm Thursday night, as he travelled through São Martinho a large rock hit the underneath of his car, he stopped to have a look, he was approached by a man who held a knife to his throat and told him to get in the car and drive up the road, up the road 4 other men were waiting , they robbed him of money, jewellery and mobile phone. He was not hurt but of course very shaken, he drove straight back home to contact police.
I’m quite shocked about this, and i would guess the rock was left in the road or thrown underneath the car on purpose so these people can select who they rob, as he has a nice car. I guess he was lucky he is on a small island, ’cause if it had happened on mainland the car would have gone too. I remember back home Gipsy’s used to leave things in quiet roads, so people would have to stop to remove the obstruction and then they would rob them, I just hope this is not a new crime starting here. Thanks Tobi … and I think people should be aware, so you have been advised! Der
Many thanks to Elaine (East) for these web snippets :
A geological explanation of why the floods happened. …The city centre sits on slightly sloped ground, while outer suburbs perch on the mountain slopes around the city. On February 19-20, 2010, when heavy rain poured down on the island, the high suburbs suffered mudslides and floods. As this map illustrates, the slopes around Funchal surround the city in a semicircle, so water flowing down the mountains was concentrated in the bowl where the city is located. The devastating floods killed at least 42 with 18 still missing as of February 23, according to the government of Madeira … MORE
The great Madeira cleanup. Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization Taleb Rifai comments on the hotel and Tourism industry after the recent natural events in Madeira… "The quick response action undertaken by the competent authorities at local and national levels, together with the support of the EU, have been instrumental in this catastrophe. The city centre sits on slightly sloped ground, while outer suburbs perch on the mountain slopes around the city. On February 19-20, 2010, when heavy rain poured down on the island, the high suburbs suffered mudslides and floods. As this map illustrates, the slopes around Funchal surround the city in a semicircle, so water flowing down the mountains was concentrated in the bowl where the city is located. The devastating floods killed at least 42 with 18 still missing as of February 23, according to the government of Madeira … MORE
A one minute Euronews video. The cleanup operation has begun on Madeira after the floods and landslides that ravaged the Portuguese island last week. VIDEO
Many thanks to Becky for these videos / web snippets :
When looking at the Costa Serena gliding into Funchal, you don’t imagine that it could leak. Another reason I don’t go on cruises.
Only 9 seconds, but something good to watch when stuck anywhere other than Madeira.
Many thanks to Paul for this useful information x 3 :
Roads back open on the 28th Feb (Funchal) :
· Campo da Barca Bridge.
· Rua do Carmo to Rua do Oudinot
· Jaime Moniz High School to Carmo Bridge
Bridge closed temporarily
·The bridge near Lavradores Market will be closed for cleaning
Source: Official Report from Regional Government of Madeira – 28/02/2010
It was a one off event, a catastrophe that isn’t likely to happen again, and one that the island will soon recover from says British victim
Roger and Gillian Wilson, British holidaymakers, have spoken for the first time of the ordeal they endured when the taxi in which they were travelling between hotels with another British couple was hit by a mudslide.
He praised the emergency services on Madeira and hoped that tourists would not be put off coming to the island because of the recent tragedy.
"It is a wonderful place and the people of Madeira have been truly fantastic. It was a one off event, a catastrophe that isn’t likely to happen again, and one that the island will soon recover from," insisted Mr Wilson.
"Tourism is the life-blood of Madeira and I really hope people will be sensible enough to realise that it is still worth coming here – we will definitely be back for another holiday," he said. Source: Telegraph Newspaper
Paul do Mar collects for flood victims
Paul do Mar’s inhabitants have been collecting food items for flood victims all week. The initiative has been led by a young soldier in the village and supported by the Paul do Mar Casa do Povo. The leaders are hoping to get an army truck here today on Sunday to transport it to Funchal for distribution. If an army truck is not available it will go to Funchal in private trucks soon.
Another email from Tobi : "I have a new set of photos on Flickr. The big clean up has been going on for a week now round the island , and I’m totally amazed at how fast it has happened. See the clean up pics here
Many thanks to Elaine once again for yesterday’s top news stories :
DIÁRIO 28/02/2010
FRONT PAGE NEWS
Diário honours the victims and the heroes. A photographic record of those who died and those involved in the rescue. Today’s magazine also has a 26 page photographic record of the disaster. Both available on-line. THE VICTIMS THE PHOTOS
Men and machines go to Serra de Água. By the end of today, the dredging of the streams in Funchal should be completed. The Regional Government has asked the construction companies to transfer their workforce and machinery to start an immediate large-scale intervention in Serra de Água. Only the mouth of the ribeira de São João still requires intervention. This was the most complex job as almost 300 metres were totally clogged with stones and other inert materials, forcing the water to divert into the tunnel and causing serious problems in the area of São Lázaro. The staff of Tâmega have worked 24 hours a day since last Sunday to ensure the safety of the city. The ribeiras of Santa Luzia and João Gomes have been cleared and just areas of walls need to be reconstructed. When this phase has been concluded, the excavators and lorries, more than 100 of each, will start constructing the tunnel between Meia Légua and Serra d’Água in Ribeira Brava. This tunnel will cost around 40 million Euros. They will also need to attend to the main stream in the area, channelling it where necessary. Over the past seven days, 200,000 cubic metres of stones and other debris have been removed from the three streams in Funchal. The inert material (gravel) is worth more than half a million Euros in the commercial market. The Regional Government has made no decision about the fate of the recovered material – inerts and mud. At present, builders do not require inert material and transportation costs are high – 13,000 trips would be needed to move the entire stock. The fate of the roundabout at Dolce Vita has not been decided. The machinery started clearing the streams on the Saturday afternoon (20th February) despite the intense rainfall then the company increased the number of men and machinery when the gravity of the situation was realized, under the command of Santos Costa. At the end of yesterday, both Santos Costa and Alberto Jardim went to each of the streams to personally thank the employees and directors of the companies responsible for the cleaning.
Navy maintains search in Santo António. This search began last week with divers, doctors and special surveillance equipment sent to the stream and police closed the road between Rampa and Caminho do Laranjal and sealed off the area. The Navy teams are slowly working their way up stream to the bridge at the cemetery of Santo António. They are searching for the body of Manuel Nunes, a former sacristão (Sexton) of the Sé. There are also suspicions that two women have been swept away after flooding in Laranjal which lies above the stream. Bags belonging to them have been found in the reeds. Their house has been destroyed and it is thought they were trying to flee during the storm last Saturday. This is an area where there has been much destruction and many deaths, the firefighters rescued many from their houses but it is also the area where the crane used in the construction of the new cota 500 (expressway) fell. The residents fear that the other cranes are unstable, especially during the recent winds. A week is not enough time for the neighbours to mourn the losses in this area. The storm destroyed 80% of the sewerage in the high areas of this parish. The old sewerage tanks are being reactivated until the pipes can be repaired. The water supply is not affected by the sewerage problem but residents are still advised to boil it first. One of the photos is of a 14 year old who helped rescue neighbours.
MADEIRA
Since October, bad weather has been front-page news. The previous bad weather cannot parallel the tragedy of Saturday 20th February, but the weather has often made front-page news since October 2009. October 3rd, it was reported that three houses had collapsed in Funchal after heavy rainfall. October 5th, several landslides and accidents were due to rain. On October 6th, it was reported that the rainfall was abnormal compared to the past 30 years and a 300% increase over Summer. December 16th, floods and landslides and December 19th, waves, rain and wind caused damage throughout the region. 23rd December, streams overflowed at São Vicente and Madalena do Mar, and São João was without water. 24th December, houses at risk in São Vicente and four parishes of Santana without water. The promenades at Faial and Madalena were destroyed, homes and cars damaged by falling trees in Santa Cruz and flooding and landslides in Funchal and Curral das Freiras. 27th December, the bad weather had left Ponta do Sol without water. December 29th, families displaced in Monte and isolated in Serra d’Água. In 2010, 3rd February, a day and night of bad weather caused chaos throughout Madeira, particularly in Santana and Porto da Cruz and areas of Machico were left unrecognizable. February 16th, the sea caused damage and on February 18th, it was reported that the sea had engulfed many coastal infrastructures.
RG3 still needs help. Donations needed of: deodorant, toilet paper, flour, corn, coffee, chocolate, gel and / or shaving cream, rice, cereals, salt, cream, pasta, after-shave, nappies and adult incontinence pads, colónias para bebés (?), bath gel for infants and adults, and hair conditioner.
Lions Club of Funchal opens an account. To raise funds to help resettle victims of the flood. NIB of bank account for donations, account in CGD is: 0035 0336 0011 7092 9305 0.
ECONOMY
AidaAluna brings tourists. After six cancellations of cruise ships, the Port of Funchal returns to normal today. 2,250 German tourists arrived and were greeted with a warm welcome and presented with flowers. This charm offensive was by the Port Administrators who also laid on a bus to transport tourists to downtown Funchal. A symbolic day for the region. The Costa Europa, a frequent visitor, suffered a serious accident the day before yesterday while mooring at Sharm el-Sheik in Egypt. The strong wind pushed the ship against the wall of the port, killing three crew members and two passengers were injured. The hull was damaged and the cruise had to be ended. In April, the ship will operate under charter to Thomson Cruises with the name Thomson Dream.
APAVT and TAP to see reconstruction. Tomorrow, a delegation form the Portuguese Association of Travel Agents and Tourism is expected in Madeira to see the progress of the recuperation of the regional infrastructure following the recent floods. The president and vice-president will meet the Regional Secretary of Tourism and Transport to hear an account of initiatives taken to support the resumption of tourism. Journalists from the major Portuguese tourism publications will also be flown in by TAP, accompanied by the airline’s general manager.
JORNAL DA MADEIRA
REGIONAL
All displaced to be rehoused by the end of March. The chairman of the IHM said that all housing situations caused by the storm of 20th February should be resolved by the end of March. In Funchal, Santa Cruz and Câmara de Lobos, people would either be temporarily or permanently rehoused. The same for Ribeira Brava, but the IHM has no vacant accommodation so they are looking for leasing or purchasing housing, (which is scarce), or asking emigrants with empty property to temporarily lease it. In other counties, there are fewer people to be accommodated. The various authorities will see if those temporarily rehoused can go back to their own homes or if the houses cannot be recuperated.
Bridge mounted on Tuesday. The Mayor of Ribeira Brava announced that a military bridge would allow access to Fajã da Ribeira, replacing the one that was destroyed. Another bridge allowing access to Tabua should be constructed either that day or the next day. There is still no road access to north Tabua but road access to south Tabua is now opened. Still restricted access to Serra d’Água but trucks taking donated goods to the area are allowed and 40 military personnel are offering support to the isolated population.
Today’s news headlines from the front page of the Diário de Notícias :
Damages in commerce hit by the floods – The loss of rent in certain establishments is on the way to hitting 20 million Euros.
Today’s main news headline : Restaurants in the marina are going to ground – The storms and their destruction oblige the Ports to prepare for works : 8 units in Funchal Marina, amongst them restaurants and shops, are going now to be demolished. The new structures will cost €5 million, and 100 workers will lose their jobs.
Anxiety surrounds the summit in Lisbon – [president] Jardim says he trusts in [prime minister] Sócrates regarding the promised support. Parties expect money for the Region and responsibility.
Sócrates says that the priority is cooperation – The prime minister says that now is not the moment for "recriminations and disputes".
"If everything were to run normally, I will get to 2011 and say ‘cheerio, until next time’". Jardim admits to reconsidering his decision to quit the Regional Government in 2011.
Cleaning operations underway in Luso-Brasileira – Public Security Police asks residents to stay at home.
Citizens with an important role in the ‘return’ of Funchal - Life goes back to normal today in the capital, but with many constraints. The council requests understanding : the ideal action is to leave the car at home. The Diário shows the closed streets and authorised parking spaces. MAP SHOWING ROADS CLOSED / RESTRICTED & CAR PARKS OPEN
Rumours continue to disrupt the reconstruction and the searches.
"This is a superior people" – Jardim says he was not surprised by the speed of the clean up.
Schools reopen on Monday – The exception is the Language Academy of Madeira that "for reasons of safety" will resume classes on Tuesday.
Traffic returns to almost all of the streets of Funchal – Six car parks are open starting Monday.
The storm in Madeira was only a "sign" of a global trend – The Director of the North American Centre for Science and Technology for Coastal Margin Observation, warns : Portugal "is going to live in the midst of climate change".
The main sport / football headline today : Alvalade returns to live a night of triumph – Gala exhibition of Sporting results in thrashing (3 – 0) of FC Porto. The ‘classic’ match raised around 30 thousand Euros for Madeira. Today Nacional v Belenenses – 8.15 pm SportTV1.
If anyone else can oblige with the translation of any of the ‘blank’ or sparsely filled headlines, or other news stories, here is the link. All contributions much appreciated.
Many thanks to Paul for sending in these two links to articles :
1. What Atlantic Holidays, part of the Pestana Group, is advising its clients who booked or are considering holidays in Madeira. “The situation in Madeira has improved immensely in the last few days and the island is gradually returning to normal.” Atlantic Holidays part of the Pestana Group informs its customers on its website that: ”None of the tourist resorts nor the hotels have been affected and, therefore, we continue to operate our holidays as planned.” Link to their site with up to date images of the island
2. BBC Interview with Joao Camacho in Gloucester who runs Atlantic Holidays. “A storm of this magnitude has never happened before in Madeira so everybody is upset”, says João Camacho in Gloucester who runs Atlantic Holidays, interviewed on BBC Radio Gloucestershire. INTERVIEW
And here’s another one just in this morning … Island Escape, but no escape this week … thanks for the photo Pete.
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Jacinto Rodrigues and Miguel Angelo exposed in Funchal Two artists from Madeira, Jacinto Rodrigues Abreu and Miguel Angelo Freitas, will present an exhibition entitled, ‘Black and White’ on the central section of Avenida Arriaga, between the Golden Gate cafe and the Municipal Theatre. There will be nine sculptures, two by Miguel Angelo. The exhibition runs from 15 January to February 14. These are stone structures (marble, basalt and limestone). Miguel Angelo’s sculptures are more figurative whereas the other sculptor prefers a more abstract approach. Jacinto Rodrigues has had solo exhibitions, for example in Lisbon and several of his sculptures are in public spaces in Madeira. Miguel Angelo has sculptures on the Continent, Madeira and Porto Santo. (Photo is one of the exhibits by Miguel Angelo)
Rocheira clean up dangerous slopes Two days ago, the Rocheira team along with human and technical resources from the firm Estradas da Madeira, cleaned up the slopes above the ER 103 in between Cobouco and Fajã do Cedro Gordo in São Roque do Faial. There have recently been two landslides in this area, the last one on Sunday. On Wednesday, the Rocheira cut trees which had lost surrounding anchoring stones and rocks, and threatened to fall onto the road. Yesterday, the work focused on rocks which also threatened the road. The road and footpath were closed during this operation and this will also be the case today. The workers will return next Monday and Tuesday to finish the clean up operation. The Rocheira team work by two men suspended by ropes with three anchor men. The falling rocks and logs which they displace can also cause damage, for example a fibre optic cable had to be replaced yesterday.
Nine candidates for the ‘Seven Wonders of Portugal’ competition Of the 323 chosen applicants, nine are from Madeira and Porto Santo. This is the first round of the contest and originally, the region had entered 55 candidates. The next selection will be revealed on the 7 February when the list will be down to 77 winners and the final 31 announced on March 7. The nine candidates are: Ilhas Desertas and Selvagens, Cabo Girão, Fajã das Padres, laurissilva forest in São Vicente, Pico de Ana Ferreira in Porto Santo (photo), Porto Santo beach, Cabeco das Laranjas (Ilheu da Cima) and the coral fossils and galleries of the Ilheu da Cal.
Vítor in front in the first votes of the PS Socialists – Serrão won Funchal in the closely disputed elections. The battle for the new leadership of the only serious opposition party to the PSD social democrats is underway, and it is up to the Madeiran socialists to choose. Jacinto Serrão and Vítor Freitas are the choices, and yesterday and today more than three thousand of them will get their say on who takes over from 
The main front page photo today shows something that looks like earthquake damage to a beach facility : Weather demolishes new works of Madeira – The storms have highlighted the fragility of the more recent constructions compared to the old works. Engineers point out the rush-jobs and remind that "the cheap comes out expensive". Engineers are saying that quality of materials, and orders to complete public works in record times, are showing the new monoliths of Madeira to be inferior than the older constructions using traditional materials, when it comes to standing up to weather such as that in December. The science is the same, whether the work has to withstand the sea or the air. These works all have to go through the political machinery to get approval and funding of course, and obviously the quality of materials, the required life of the construction, and the timescales of construction, are all issues that our politicians consider of course. Issues like when are the next elections coming up, and who in politics has stakes in the cement and construction companies wouldn’t be a factor in the equation of course.
