Recovering from the Mudslides in Madeira, Portugal

Paula Ferreira
25 February 2010

On the morning of Saturday, 20 February 2010, the south of Madeira Island was lashed by an incredible 52mm of rainfall in one hour (9:00 to 10:00). The consequence was a series of mudslides and floods that struck mainly in the capital city of Funchal, Ribeira Brava and several other smaller towns in the area.

Flooded Avenida Arriaga of Funchal, Madeira

Flood waters fill the Avenida Arriaga of Funchal, Madeira, the day after heavy rains provoked deadly mudslides

Drenching Rain

Madeira usually enjoys mild weather all year round, but this winter brought unusually heavy precipitation, beginning as more or less steady rain starting back in October. As a measure, the rainfall of 426mm recorded during the first 22 days of February is equivalent to approximately 70% of the total annual average.

With so much water in the ground, on 20 February, the soaked mountains could retain it no longer and finally gave out. The water drainage lines that lead across Funchal to the sea were unable to channel the vast quantities of water, rock and dirt that came coursing down the mountains carrying away everything in its path.

The result was a sea of mud in the heart of Funchal and Ribeira Brava, houses destroyed, shops flooded, people evacuated, streets packed with rubble and mud.

Mud and earth choke the Avenida do Mar and Marina of Funchal, Madeira

Click image to enlarge: Mud and earth choke the Avenida do Mar and Marina of Funchal

Click image to enlarge: Three days later, the Avendia do Mar of Funchal is almost clear of debris

Quick Response

There was an immediate response by firemen, the army and the police. After the shock and following ‘this can’t be happening!’ feeling, an information network formed immediately via Twitter and Facebook, carrying regular updates about people missing, people found alive and people found too late. Helicopters and more manpower flew in to aid in search and rescue, and the distribution of food and supplies to isolated villages.

By the next day, cleaning and recovery operations were well underway and involve around 2,000 people from the public and private sectors, the army and volunteers.

Two days later, on Monday, as we crossed the very heart of Funchal to reach our office, there was no water or mud whatsoever. Soon after, essential services, including electricity and water, were restored, as was mobile phone reception and Internet on most of the island. We could almost wonder if it had all been a terrible nightmare, but the noise of heavy machinery and ongoing cleaning proof of the reality. (See videos of the cleanup effort.)

The day after the mudslides, the people of Funchal don't let the mess in Rua Bom Jesus stop them from getting about

Click image to enlarge: The day after the mudslides, the people of Funchal don't let the mess in Rua Bom Jesus deter them

Three days later, in Rue Bom Jesus, it almost looks like nothing had ever had ever happened

Click image to enlarge: Three days later in Rue Bom Jesus, work crews have quickly and effectively made it look like nothing ever happened

Facing the Aftermath

The bitter toll is now: 42 dead, 18 missing and 18 injured still in the hospital. Six hundred people were dislodged, of which 193 families have been allocated temporary shelter.

We are mourning our dead, taking care of those who lost everything and, above all, working hard to bet back on our feet.

It was all but natural for us, as travel agents, to expect cancellations or zero bookings. We were wrong. Although we did have a couple of cancellations, we continue to receive bookings for individuals and groups alike.

After all, the hotels were unaffected and are fully operational, as are the airport, the harbour and the main tourist areas. And, of course, the beauty of the land no less spectacular.

Click image to enlarge: Boots are best on the Avenida Arriaga of Funchal on the day after the rains

Three days later, the Avenida Arriaga is as clear and clean as any other day of the year

Click image to enlarge: Three days later, the Avenida Arriaga is as clear and clean

Support Comes from Far and Wide

The support we have received from all around the world touches our hearts deeply and give us strength.

What can you do to help? You can contribute through the official ‘Conta Solidariedade com as vítimas da Madeira’ relief fund maintained by BANIF – International Bank of Funchal (IBAN PT 50003800011986711677151 and SWIFT code BNLFPTPL).

You can also spread the word that the worst of our misfortunate has already passed. We are working hard and Madeira continues to be an amazing destination to visit and experience. We will be right here waiting for you.