Pope’s condolences for Madeira disaster

(Feb..23,2010): Pope Benedict XVI has expressed his condolences for the tragic floods that hit the Portuguese island of Madeira on Saturday, claiming numerous victims, overturning cars, destroying houses and blocking roads. The telegram sent on Tuesday in the Pope’s name by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarciscio Bertone was addressed to Bishop Antonio Josè Cavaco Carrilho of Funchal, the capital of Madeira. It expressed the Pope’s prayers for the victims, his solidarity with the suffering people and his support and concern for all those who lost their homes. The telegram also expressed his thanks for the people engaged in relief work. Emergency help initially focussed on the capital Funchal, but as roads in the mountainous island were gradually reopened, it became clear that floods had also struck villages in the interior.
Portugal is observing three days of mourning for the victims, said to be around 42. The Portuguese Government said it would ask solidarity funds from the European Union to help rebuild infrastructure on the island, which lies 1.000 kms. southwest of Lisbon.